ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was shot and killed Thursday night outside a 7-Eleven in Orange County after he asked two people in a car for some change, according to a witness.
Bryant Rodriguez and Alexander Berrios were arrested after the fatal shooting, which was reported on Orange Blossom Trail near Exchange Drive and West Landstreet, not far from the Florida Turnpike in Orlando.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said the suspects got into an argument with Nelson Montero, 63, which escalated into the shooting. A witness told News 6 he saw it unfold.
"I was literally right across the street from the 7-Eleven and (the victim) went up to the car and he was basically asking for change," the witness said. "I didn't realize anything was going wrong at all. I thought it was just going to be normal, you know. Just asking for change, he was either going to get a simple yes or no, but I literally (saw) a gunshot and then saw him hit the (ground), and the car sped off. It happened so fast."
Montero died at the scene, deputies said.
Sheriff's officials said a patrol unit spotted the suspect vehicle speeding from the gas station and followed the car. After a short chase, the driver and passenger, who had fled from the vehicle, were apprehended, authorities said.
"It just makes you feel like it's true what they say, life's not guaranteed. One minute you're here, next minute you may not be," the witness said. "In this day and age, a lot of things are changing. A lot of people have become more heartless."
Rodriguez, 17, is charged with second-degree murder. Berrios was arrested on a charge of fleeing and attempting to elude.
Berrios posted his $2,000 bond Friday night and walked out of the Orange County Jail.