FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA — Abdulla Monther, a 46-year-old man, was arrested following a shooting incident at a Valero gas station in Fort Lauderdale, allegedly triggered by a dispute over the price of beer, according to Broward County Sheriff’s Office records.
Monther faces one count of aggravated battery, following an altercation with a customer that escalated into violence on the night of June 19, at around 11:40 p.m.
Deputies responded to a call regarding the shooting, and upon arrival, Monther allegedly greeted law enforcement officers, admitting that a verbal argument with a customer led to the shooting.
The Incident
According to the criminal complaint affidavit, Monther, who works as a clerk at the gas station, got into a heated argument with a customer over the price of a beer.
The situation escalated when the customer allegedly threw an object, possibly a piece of paper, toward Monther.
In response, Monther retrieved a firearm from under the counter and fired it toward the customer, striking him in the right calf muscle, the affidavit states.
Surveillance Footage Corroborates the Story
Witnesses provided their accounts of the shooting, which were supported by surveillance footage from the gas station, voluntarily shared with law enforcement by the store manager.
The video shows the argument between Monther and the customer, followed by Monther retrieving a black firearm, racking the slide, and firing at the customer.
The affidavit also claims that after the shooting, Monther taunted the victim, saying “P– ass N–” as he followed the injured customer while still holding the firearm.
Investigation and Arrest
Monther was later Mirandized and gave several details about the dispute over the beer price. Law enforcement later conducted a sweep of the gas station, recovering the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, along with one bullet and a magazine near the site of the altercation.
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Charges and Bond
Monther was arrested and initially jailed at Broward County Jail. However, he posted $10,000 bond on Monday and was subsequently released, according to court records.
What’s Next?
Monther now faces serious charges, and the case is still under investigation as authorities look into the details of the dispute and the aftermath of the shooting.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe the escalation over a simple price dispute could have been prevented? How should businesses train employees to handle volatile situations like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
