Mechanic fatally shot Hialeah man in ‘self-defense’ over tire dispute, police say

HIALEAHEA — A man was fatally shot while getting his tires repaired early Saturday morning in what turned into a violent argument, according to Hialeah police.

Police say 29-year-old Michael Lope Montes De Oca went to Mobile Tire Repair to get his car fixed.

The mechanic, 36-year-old Brandon Hurst, met with Lope Montes De Oca around 1:30 a.m., police said.

Lope Montes De Oca was allegedly “irritated” that Hearst had put a used tire on his car. Lopez Montes De Oca is then accused of threatening and attacking Hearst with a machete.

The mechanic then shot Lope Montes De Oca several times, killing him, police said.

Detectives say it was a “justifiable shooting in self-defense.”