Florida couple reports assault after confrontation over walking in the road

A Florida couple reported that they were attacked and pepper-sprayed by two women after a confrontation regarding their presence in the road. Felyz Rodriguez, who is transgender, and Davin Lopez were walking to work in northwest Miami-Dade on Sunday when the incident occurred, according to NBC Miami. The couple stated that the confrontation escalated when the driver, who was wearing bright green shorts, engaged in a physical altercation with Rodriguez. Video footage shared online shows Rodriguez being pulled by her hair and subsequently flung to the ground after getting caught in the open door of the vehicle. Lopez explained that the situation intensified after he made a hand gesture toward the car in response to the women yelling at them. Rodriguez began recording the incident on her phone, capturing the moment one of the women exited the vehicle and began spraying Lopez with pepper spray. A nearby resident recorded the altercation and reported the incident to authorities. Rodriguez stated that she attempted to de-escalate the situation despite being assaulted. Investigators reported that Rodriguez and Lopez sustained bruises, cuts, and swelling, while the attackers fled the scene. Rodriguez expressed confusion and distress over the incident and questioned whether it could be classified as a hate crime. Lopez later posted on Facebook, expressing hope that the assailants would be apprehended and emphasizing the need for accountability for such behavior.