Miami Man Arrested for Slashing Tires on Surfside Police Car Outside Hospital
“Our team worked…to safely remove an armed suspect from our streets.” – Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A 35-year-old man is behind bars after police say he slashed the tires of a marked Surfside Police vehicle parked outside Mount Sinai Medical Center, while the officer assigned to it was inside the hospital with an arrestee. Marcus Covington was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center early Wednesday morning on charges of criminal mischief – damage over $1,000 and possession of a weapon while committing an offense, according to Miami Beach Police.
Incident Unfolds Outside Hospital
The incident occurred Tuesday night when the Surfside officer received an alert on his phone indicating rapid air loss from both front tires of his patrol car. Surveillance footage from the hospital’s emergency parking lot shows a man approaching the vehicle, bending near the tires, and walking away moments before they deflated completely. A “be on the lookout” bulletin with the suspect’s description was quickly issued. Within hours, a Miami Beach Police captain spotted a man matching that description, later identified as Covington, walking along the shoulder of the Julia Tuttle Causeway.
Arrest and Weapons Discovery
Body-worn camera footage released by Miami Beach Police shows officers inspecting the damaged patrol car before confronting Covington.
“Why are you detaining me?” Covington can be heard asking.
“For vandalizing a police vehicle, that’s why,” an officer responds.
During the arrest, Covington was found carrying a loaded semi-automatic handgun, two extra loaded magazines, a canister of pepper spray, and a large folding utility knife. Investigators say the knife’s blade matched the puncture marks found in the slashed tires.
Police Praise Quick Response
Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones commended the officers’ actions in a statement:
“This arrest exemplifies the vigilance, professionalism, and teamwork of the Miami Beach Police Department at the highest level. Our team worked in close partnership with our law enforcement counterparts to safely remove an armed suspect from our streets.”
Covington remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the alleged vandalism.
Sources:
NBC 6 South Florida – Man Arrested for Slashing Surfside Police Car Tires
