MIAMI – A Miami-Dade Fire Rescue battalion chief who served as a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps surrendered to police on Thursday morning over a domestic violence case involving his children’s mother.
Last month, Fahim Mortazavi showed up at her house to pick up his children since they share custody, and the mother used her phone to record their interaction, according to the police arrest report.
Mortazavi, 41, snatched the phone away from her and there was a struggle on Dec. 30, according to the arrest report. He couldn’t erase the video and returned the phone to her, according to police.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue placed Mortazavi on administrative duty during the investigation of the off-duty incident. A spokesperson released a statement saying, “MDFR employees are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that upholds our values.”
After a detective concluded his investigation, Mortazavi surrendered at about 5 a.m., and correctional officers booked him at about 5:30 a.m., at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, records show.
Miami-Dade prosecutors filed a domestic violence case against Mortazavi, and he is facing a charge of strong-armed robbery.
Mortazavi appeared in court. A judge ordered him to stay away from his ex-wife and set his bond at $5,000. He will have to go to family court to make arrangements to see his children.
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Stephany Heilbron contributed to this report.