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The grieving family of a Colorado tourist shot dead after protecting his 2-year-old son from a crazed gunman at a Miami Beach restaurant say the young dad “always puts others first, even when he’s young. age”.
Dustin Wakefield, 21, acted like a “hero,” according to his family, while on vacation in Castle Rock, Colorado. He and his family were dining at La Cerveceria restaurant around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when a man walked through the door brandishing a gun. The suspect, identified as Tamarius Blair Davis Jr., 22, of Norcross, Ga., Reportedly approached the toddler, but Wakefield got between his son and the gunman. Wakefield has been shot several times and disturbing video showed the suspected gunman dancing in the outdoor seating area as patrons could be heard screaming.
“It is in his true character that he rests, protecting his family. He is that man,” Dustin’s parents Matt and Angela Wakefield said in a statement provided to Fox News Thursday. “We are very proud and comforted that we have been fortunate to have the man who stood up to save others. He has always been and will continue to be our hero.”
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“There are few words in English that can express the depth of Dustin’s love and generosity. For us, his family, he was the best son / brother / uncle / cousin / nephew / grandson than you. can ask, “they continued. “He always put others first, even from a young age.”
“As a man he was a faithful and loving husband. Karina is the love of his life, and she knows it. His love for her should inspire us. As a father he was full of love and love. pride. He loved his son with all he was. ”
Dustin Wakefield, 21, and his son. (Credit: Angela Wakefield)
(Angela Wakefield)
The family continued, “As a friend, there isn’t a living person who hasn’t felt his kindness, empathy and love from him. He would freely give to anyone and give back. his heart, full of love and acceptance. He loved God. Every day he lived full of faith and peace and he shared that with others. ”
Speaking to Fox News by phone, Dustin’s father Matt Wakefield also provided a quick update on his uninjured grandson Elijah.
“I mean he’s 2,” Matt Wakefield said. “Dustin protected him so Elijah was not injured during the incident and as far as his condition is concerned a 2 year old doesn’t really understand what’s going on right now.”
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An arrest affidavit said Davis said he “was high on mushrooms, which made him feel empowered.” Meanwhile, another heartbreaking cell phone video showed officers with their guns drawn approaching Davis after police said he fled the restaurant and rushed into a nearby alley.
Davis was the eagle spread on his back and smiled as three officers approached with their guns pointed at him and shouting orders, warning him that if he touched his gun he would be shot.
Davis then rolled onto his side in a fetal position, before rolling onto his back again as the officers approached. Davis shouted, “I give, I give, I give,” as the police knocked him onto his stomach and handcuffed him. The video shows a black handgun lying about 10 feet away.
In the wake of the shooting that killed Wakefield, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said on Wednesday that the South Beach entertainment district had to be dismantled as restaurants and hotel owners repeatedly complained of increasing crime and chaos along Ocean Drive, WPLG reported.
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“Our city can no longer support an entertainment district,” said Gelber. “It just attracts too many people, too many people looking to gamble, fight or buy drugs.”
Angela Wakefield launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Dustin’s wife and son, who raised over $ 45,000 on Thursday afternoon. Dustin’s uncle Mike Wakefield also launched a separate GoFundMe page which raised over $ 196,000 on Thursday. Dustin worked in construction.
Davis remains in custody without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He is charged with two counts of second degree murder with a weapon and attempted second degree murder.
Bradford Betz of Fox News contributed to this report.
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