Authorities have arrested 17-year-old Tarvan Bowens Jr. as suspect in connection with Salem Albakri’s killing at his North Miami Beach store, Miami Cloudz on June 11, 2024. Albakri, 35 years old at time of shooting was recently opening Miami Cloudz to provide support for himself and wife; during an apparent robbery attempt while fleeing scene during which time he was fatally shot in back while trying to escape scene of incident.
Investigators reported that Bowens entered the store alongside three other men, including 23-year-old William Robinson. At first, the group requested multiple items from inventory before Bowens pulled out his gun and shot Albakri as he fled away; Albakri later succumbed to his wounds and died as a result.
After the incident, law enforcement used facial recognition software and multiple public tips — one coming from one of Bowens’ relatives — to identify him as the shooter. Bowens hails from Northwest Miami-Dade.
William Robinson was first identified through fingerprint analysis and surveillance footage review methods; this arrest happened in August 2024.
This case underscores the increasing significance of technology in modern criminal investigations, with facial recognition software and digital evidence becoming invaluable tools in solving a crime. Police continue their probe of two additional unidentified suspects who may have played roles.
Albakri’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through South Florida’s business community and underscores a concerning pattern of violent crimes committed against small business owners throughout South Florida. Contact us for Executive Security Protection Services, Today!