SARASOTA, FL – A heated argument over a handicapped parking spot near a Sarasota fishing pier has resulted in a fatal shooting, leading to a second-degree murder charge for 66-year-old Richard Miner. The incident, which took place over a week ago, involved Miner and 31-year-old Jonathan Arias.
Witnesses say the confrontation began when Miner, who is a disabled amputee, took issue with Arias and his friends for parking in a handicapped spot. The verbal altercation quickly intensified, with Miner reportedly telling Arias, “I’ll show you my problem,” before deploying bear spray.
Arias, undeterred by the bear spray, approached Miner’s vehicle. As Arias neared the driver’s side door where Miner was seated, Miner fired multiple shots, hitting Arias. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing several gunshots and seeing Miner holding a firearm. Arias’ wife rushed to his side, but Miner allegedly aimed the gun at her, instructing her to back off.
In his statement to the police, Miner confirmed that he used bear spray on Arias and fired his weapon three to four times as Arias approached the open window of his vehicle. Miner has since pleaded not guilty in Seminole County.
The incident has sparked discussions within the community about the boundaries of self-defense and the use of lethal force. As the case moves through the legal system, residents are left to ponder the tragic outcome of what began as a dispute over a parking space.