CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Officers arrested the son of U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez on Wednesday in Coral Gables after what officers described as an “altercation” at a restaurant.
Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla released a statement describing the incident at Morton’s Steakhouse, at 2333 Ponce de Leon.
“It was more like a flick of his wrist from behind me when I was having lunch as he cowardly approached me from behind and ran away. This guy ... appeared to be under the influence.”
Statement on today:
— Alex Diaz de la Portilla (@alexDLPmiami) February 10, 2022
“It was more like a flick of his wrist from behind me when I was having lunch as he cowardly approached me from behind and ran away. This guy is not known as a very courageous guy. Actually he’s quite a coward and appeared to be under the influence.”
When Coral Gables police officers arrived at about 2:10 p.m., the commissioner’s sergeant at arms was trying to detain attorney Carlos Julio Gimenez, Jr. Chief Edward J. Hudak said he is accused of simple battery.
“I don’t know if he was under the influence,” Hudak said.
According to Gimenez Jr.’s arrest report, he approached the commissioner from behind as he was having lunch and said, “Hey p****, do you remember me?” and then struck the commission on the side of the head with an open hand.
Police said the commissioner’s sergeant at arms identified himself as a Miami police officer, told Gimenez Jr. to stop and calm down and then grabbed him by the coat as Gimenez Jr. tried to get away from him.
According the arrest report, the attorney told the officer, “You’re a City of Miami police officer. You don’t have jurisdiction here.” But Coral Gables police said the officer was permitted to affect the arrest “utilizing our mutual aid agreement.”
Authorities said Coral Gables police officers arrived at the restaurant and assisted the Miami police officer in apprehending Gimenez Jr.
The battery was captured on surveillance video, police said.
Gimenez Sr. released a statement on Wednesday night saying he was aware of his son’s arrest.
“This is a personal matter and (I) do not have any further comment,” he said.
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Emily Hales contributed to this report.