What began as a routine Thursday evening at a Miami-Dade Publix supermarket quickly spiraled into chaos, leaving customers and employees stunned and a young man facing serious criminal charges. On October 9, 2025, just after 6 p.m., the Publix at Southwest 163rd Street and Southwest 95th Avenue became the scene of a wild brawl that would soon capture the attention of local news and social media alike.
According to police records cited by WPLG and Local 10 News, the incident erupted near the store's entrance when two large groups began arguing. Witnesses described the verbal dispute as aggressive, with tempers flaring until, in a matter of moments, words turned into fists. Two women, locked in a heated scuffle, crashed into a greeting card display, sending shelves and merchandise tumbling to the floor. The scene, already tense, escalated dramatically when a shirtless man—later identified as 20-year-old Climont Mann—grabbed a dislodged metal shelf from the chaos.
Video footage, widely shared on social media and reported by OnlyinDADE, shows Mann wielding the metal shelf above his head and striking the two women fighting on the ground. One blow appeared to land squarely on a woman’s head, while Mann delivered two more strikes before tossing the shelf aside and diving into the melee himself. The violence didn’t stop there; as the fight spilled across the store, other shoppers dodged flying objects—loaves of bread, greeting cards, sandals, headphones, and even a wig were sent soaring through the air. Some bystanders gawked in disbelief, cell phones recording, while others hurried away, eager to avoid the fray.
The front of the store quickly became a scene of utter disarray. As reported by NBC 6 South Florida and Local 10 News, the self-checkout area was trashed, and the brawl spread toward the registers and eventually outside to the parking lot. Store staff, caught off guard, stood near the registers, choosing not to intervene directly and instead waited for police to arrive. "Security did not step in when they should’ve. It was just an outrage and a disgrace," one shopper told NBC 6 South Florida, expressing concern that the violence might drive away regular customers. Another witness, who was close to the incident, said, "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. They were arguing, but I never thought that things would have escalated so badly and so quickly. I am so glad that my children were not with me."
By the time Miami-Dade deputies arrived, the chaos had spilled into the parking lot, where the two groups continued to hurl plates and other items at each other. According to the arrest report cited by Local 10 News, both groups were ultimately banned from the store. Fire rescue crews responded quickly, treating several people at the scene and transporting two individuals to the hospital for further care. The full extent of the injuries was not disclosed, but the incident left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
As the dust settled, attention turned to Climont Mann, who lives about a mile from the Publix. He was arrested at the scene and initially charged with felony aggravated battery, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. However, as The Miami Herald and WPLG reported, the criminal mischief charge was later dropped during his bond hearing. Mann is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $5,150 bond, and a judge has ordered him to stay away from his alleged victims, both in person and online. His arraignment is scheduled for December 8, 2025.
The incident has sparked conversations throughout the Miami community about safety and security in public spaces. Some locals, as quoted by NBC 6 South Florida, voiced their fear that such violence could deter shoppers from returning to the store. Others took to social media to express disbelief and even dark humor about the ordeal; one user remarked, "Bro thought it was WWE," referencing the over-the-top theatrics of professional wrestling, while another quipped, "If you don’t destroy the store, are you even mad?"
Despite the levity in some online reactions, the seriousness of the incident is clear. Felony aggravated battery is a grave charge, especially when a weapon—such as a metal shelf—is used. The judge's decision to order Mann to stay away from the victims underscores the potential for ongoing danger or retaliation. According to court records viewed by The Post, Mann’s bond was set at $5,150, and he remains in custody as his legal proceedings advance.
In the aftermath, Publix employees and management have been tight-lipped about the details, but the event has undoubtedly prompted internal discussions about store security and staff training. Some community members have called for increased security presence in busy retail environments, especially during peak shopping hours. Others have questioned why bystanders and security did not intervene sooner, a sentiment echoed by many shoppers interviewed by local outlets.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed what sparked the initial argument between the groups. The arrest report, as summarized by Local 10 News, simply states that the situation escalated rapidly and that both groups were banned from the store following the brawl. It remains unclear whether any further charges will be filed against other individuals involved in the fight or if civil suits might follow.
For now, the Miami-Dade Publix at Colonial Plaza Shopping Center serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday life can be disrupted by violence. While the store has since reopened and resumed normal operations, the memory of that chaotic evening lingers in the minds of customers and employees alike. And as Climont Mann awaits his day in court, the community continues to grapple with questions about public safety, personal responsibility, and the unpredictable nature of human conflict.
As Miami residents reflect on the events of October 9, 2025, many are left wondering what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future. The hope is that lessons will be learned—not just by those directly involved, but by the wider community as well.
