Miami police put a stop to the cannibalistic act of a man who viciously attacked a homeless man on the MacArthur Causeway on Saturday, May 26.

According to The Miami Herald, the assault occurred for about 18 minutes as the attacker punched the victim and stripped him of his clothing before eating off his face.

A surveillance security camera of a nearby Miami Herald building captured the scene which presents further details on the incident. Rudy Eugene, the assailant, is seen walking naked along the ramp of the Causeway before suddenly pouncing upon his victim. The victim, who remained on the floor of the Causeway, kicked and fought back to no avail.

Several calls were made to the Miami police, one by a passing motorist who observed Eugene stripping the homeless man of his clothing and another by a cyclist.

"[He] just stood, his head up like that, with pieces of flesh in his mouth. And he growled," said cyclist Larry Vega to reporters.

On Tuesday, police identified the victim as Ronald Poppo, a resident of the Miami streets for over three decades. The 65-year-old was assisted by paramedics who arrived on the scene. Eugene's body lay lifeless nearby. He was shot several times by Miami police officer Jose Rivera who ordered him to stop.

Eugene, 31, is a former high school football player. He is described as a nice and caring person by family members and close friends who were baffled to discover his involvement.

"He wasn't homeless. He had a place to stay. He had a car, and he worked," said close friend and roommate Erica Smith. "He has his ups and downs, but he was not an aggressive person. He was really sweet and giving."

"He did smoke, I'm not going to lie about that," she told Miami reporters. "Someone must have given him something really bad. A few days ago he told my brother that he was really depressed and didn't want to live anymore. He was a guy who just wanted a family and someone to love him."

Investigators speculate that perhaps Eugene was under the influence of drugs which may have led to his behavior but found no evidence that would suggest that on the scene. Toxicology results may reveal otherwise, but tests won't be available for a few weeks. Currently, there is no motive for the attack.

Poppo remains in critical condition at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, with his nose, mouth and eyes ripped off.