DAVIE, FL — A road rage incident in the Costco parking lot in Davie, Florida on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2025, escalated into a shooting when a heated argument between two men resulted in one of the men firing at the other’s vehicle. The shooting has led to the arrest of Rafael Javier, 52, who now faces multiple charges following the incident.

Details of the Shooting Incident

The incident began in the Costco parking lot when a confrontation between two men quickly turned violent. Cell phone footage captured by a witness showed the argument between the two men escalating, with Rafael Javier, dressed in a black shirt, taking out a handgun. In the video, Javier is seen racking the gun and pointing it at the other man while continuing the argument.

Despite being threatened with the firearm, the victim, who was in an SUV, reportedly responded, saying, “Guns don’t scare me.” As the argument continued to escalate, the victim got into his vehicle and began to drive away from the parking lot, trying to leave the situation behind. However, as the victim attempted to depart, investigators say Javier fired his gun at the SUV’s back tire, causing significant damage to the vehicle.

Charges and Arrest

Following the road rage shooting, Rafael Javier was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, and firing a missile into a vehicle, according to Broward jail records. Authorities were quick to respond to the shooting and confirmed that no injuries were sustained in the incident, although the victim’s vehicle was damaged.

Javier’s actions have drawn attention due to the severity of the situation and the risk of harm involved. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Javier remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Community Impact and Road Rage Concerns

This incident is yet another reminder of the dangerous consequences of road rage, a growing concern in communities across the country. The Costco parking lot, which is typically a family-friendly location, was disrupted by the altercation and gunfire, leaving other shoppers and witnesses shaken by the events.

Road rage incidents, especially those involving firearms, have been on the rise, prompting law enforcement agencies to emphasize the importance of staying calm and avoiding escalation in tense situations. Experts are calling for increased awareness and better control of aggressive driving behavior to prevent future violence.

In response to the shooting, local law enforcement has urged the public to report any instances of road rage to authorities before they escalate into dangerous situations. Police also reminded drivers that engaging in aggressive or violent behavior on the road can lead to serious legal consequences, as seen in this case.

Legal Consequences and Investigation

While the victim in this incident was unharmed, the potential for injury was significant, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Javier’s actions could lead to additional charges or legal consequences as the investigation unfolds. Legal experts stress that firing a weapon into a vehicle, regardless of whether anyone is hurt, is a serious crime and can result in severe penalties.

Investigators are working to determine the full context of the argument and whether any prior interactions between the two men contributed to the escalation of the confrontation. The witness video will likely play a crucial role in understanding the sequence of events and determining any further action needed.

Conclusion

The road rage shooting in the Costco parking lot in Davie, FL has prompted concerns about the safety of public spaces and the escalation of minor disputes into violent confrontations. Rafael Javier, 52, faces serious charges after firing a gun at the victim’s SUV, leading to his arrest and potential significant legal penalties.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of road rage and the importance of remaining calm during tense encounters on the road. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.