Florida Man, 81, Allegedly Shot His Boss After Being Scolded at Work — Then Smoked a Cigarette and Rode a Tricycle

An 81-year-old Florida man has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting his 61-year-old boss in the chest following a workplace dispute, then stepping outside to smoke a cigarette and ride a tricycle around the parking lot, according to police.

Jose Lopez was arrested on October 14, 2026, after the fatal shooting at Metro Express, a business owned by Delio Trasobares in Medley, Florida.

Investigators say the confrontation began when Trasobares discovered Lopez sleeping at the business despite previously telling him he could not continue doing so.

Argument Began Over Sleeping at the Business

According to an arrest affidavit cited by Law&Crime, Trasobares arrived at the repair shop shortly before 7:30 a.m. and found Lopez sitting inside with another employee.

Police said Lopez had reportedly been sleeping at the workplace and had already been told not to do so. When Trasobares discovered the situation had continued, he allegedly reprimanded Lopez and instructed him to leave.

Witnesses told investigators that Lopez initially got up from his chair and walked toward a shelf. He allegedly retrieved a .40-caliber firearm before turning toward his employer.

According to the witnesses’ accounts in the affidavit, Lopez shouted profanities in Spanish and shot Trasobares in the chest.

The injured business owner reportedly attempted to walk away but collapsed near the doorway.

Suspect Allegedly Went Outside for a Smoke

While another employee called 911, witnesses reportedly saw Lopez leave the building and smoke a cigarette.

He then allegedly began riding a tricycle around the business parking lot while officers were responding to the shooting.

When Medley police arrived, they found Lopez riding the tricycle. As an officer approached him, Lopez reportedly volunteered, “I did it,” according to the arrest affidavit.

After officers took him into custody, they asked whether he had any weapons. Lopez allegedly told them the firearm was inside the business, next to a microwave.

Police entered the building and found Trasobares on the floor with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

Investigators reportedly recovered firearms and other ballistic evidence during their search of the premises.

Lopez Told Detectives He Was “Fed Up”

After his arrest, Lopez complained of chest pain and was taken to a hospital. He also reportedly received treatment for high blood pressure.

During a subsequent interview with detectives, Lopez allegedly admitted shooting his employer. Investigators said he described himself as being “fed up” and having “had enough” of Trasobares insulting him and complaining.

Authorities have not indicated that the workplace dispute justified the alleged shooting. The precise circumstances and evidence will be addressed as the criminal case proceeds.

Murder Charge and Court Proceedings

Lopez was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Trasobares’ death.

He appeared at his initial court hearing remotely from his hospital bed, where a judge denied bond, according to reports. After being discharged from the hospital, he was booked into the Miami-Dade County jail.

The case has drawn attention because of the unusual circumstances police described after the shooting. However, the central issue remains the fatal encounter inside the repair shop and the evidence gathered by investigators.

Lopez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Sources: Law&Crime