Man ‘Irate' Over Response Time Fatally Shot AAA Worker in Kendall: Police

A man angry over the response time for service on his car shot and killed a AAA technician in a Kendall neighborhood Tuesday, police said.

Miami-Dade police say that 63-year-old Jesus Esquivel admitted to opening fire on Magdiel Hernandez, 38, after Hernandez responded to a service call in the area of Southwest 99th Street and 87th Court.

According to the arrest report, Esquivel got into an argument on the phone with another driver over the time it was taking for a response to his call to fix a malfunctioning battery. Esquivel "became irate" and made threats to that driver, who called his bosses and asked for another driver to be sent out, the report said.

At that point, the company sent Hernandez to the call. When he arrived, Esquivel opened fire and hit Hernandez several times in the torso. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hernandez worked for AAA for 10 years, family members said.

"He's a very good guy, good service-minded individual, has been working doing this for years," said the victim's friend, Roberto Flavio.

Esquivel was taken to the hospital for medical attention and later released into police custody to be interviewed, where he admitted to the crime, the arrest report said.

Police charged Esquivel with second-degree murder and he was being held without bond Wednesday, jail records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.

"It's unbelievable for something so small to be so big...how it happened," said Victor Cazanas, the victim's friend.

AAA released a statement saying it was "profoundly saddened" by the death of Hernandez, who they said was a contractor for the company.

Here is the full statement: "We are profoundly saddened by this tragic incident that took place today. On behalf of all of us at AAA, our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this most difficult time. Eliminating deaths and injuries on our roadways are top priorities for AAA. This incident was reported to the police who have begun an investigation. AAA will cooperate fully with any all police investigations."

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