MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities released body camera video Friday of a former detective’s DUI arrest after they say he drove into a marked police cruiser and injured his colleague while driving drunk last month, then drew his gun from his waistband.
The injured officer reported having to draw his own gun and order Miami-Dade Police Department Detective Victor Manuel Montalvo, 43, at gunpoint to drop the weapon.
According to the police report, Montalvo later confessed: “I drank too much!”
The crash was shortly after 12:40 p.m., on March 5 in the area of Southwest 72nd Street, better known as Sunset Drive, and 144th Avenue in Kendale Lakes, according to his colleagues.
Local 10 News obtained video that shows Montalvo lying on the ground surrounded by responding officers. His police gun was seen on the ground, far away, near the cop car he struck.
“Why isn’t that gun secured?” an officer was heard asking Montalvo, referring to his gun on the ground.
“I don’t know,” Montalvo replied.
Montalvo and the officer who was protecting road workers both suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Detective Andre Martin, a spokesman for MDPD.
Correctional officers booked Montalvo into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He was facing charges of DUI and DUI with property damage.
Montalvo’s bond was set at $2,000. Corrections released him on March 6 through a back door at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and he ran to a sports utility vehicle to avoid answering questions.
“I am disheartened by the recent incident involving one of my officers who was arrested for driving under the influence, while on duty,” MDPD Director Stephanie V. Daniels said in a statement that was released on the day after the incident occurred.
Daniels also said Montalvo’s actions do not reflect the core values of the department.
“The officer has been relieved of duty and we will continue to work with the State Attorney’s Office throughout the judicial process,” Daniels said.
For information about how to get help for alcohol or substance abuse, call 1-800-662-4357 or visit this federal government page.
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