A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm following a heated argument over parking outside a Target store in Miami. Kiara S. Johnson, 42, allegedly pulled a gun during the confrontation, telling another driver, “I got that s— on me,” while ordering her out of the vehicle.
The Parking Dispute
The incident occurred around 1:55 p.m. outside the Target store located at 21000 Biscayne Boulevard. According to a probable cause affidavit from the Miami-Dade Police Department, the victim was sitting inside her parked car when Johnson pulled into the adjacent space. To avoid having her vehicle hit by Johnson’s car door, the victim moved her car over.
Johnson apparently took offense to this gesture and confronted the victim. The argument quickly escalated, with Johnson reportedly cursing and calling the victim obscenities. During the exchange, Johnson allegedly reached into her purse, produced a firearm, and threatened the victim, saying, “I got that s— on me,” while flashing the weapon and demanding that the victim get out of the car.
The Victim’s Response and Police Involvement
The victim, fearing for her life, refused to exit the vehicle and instead drove away from the scene. She later called 911, describing the weapon as a black firearm with yellow or orange markings.
When police arrived, they spoke to the victim, and shortly after, Johnson was identified as the person involved. As she exited the store, officers detained her. Johnson allegedly admitted to having a firearm in her purse, which was still slung over her shoulder. Police recovered the weapon, which was not registered, and secured it.
Johnson’s Denial and Arrest
After being read her Miranda rights, Johnson spoke with investigators. She acknowledged that the argument had stemmed from a dispute over the close parking spaces but claimed that the victim had threatened to slap her, though the victim denied this. Johnson denied ever brandishing the firearm or making any threats, stating she never pulled the weapon out of her purse.
A records check revealed that the firearm was not registered, and it was impounded by police. Johnson was charged with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm and was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $5,500 bond. It remains unclear when she will return to court for a hearing.
This incident underscores the dangers of escalating conflicts over minor issues, such as parking, and the severe consequences of resorting to violence or threats in such situations.
