MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Miami Beach Police worked diligently to arrest a suspect who allegedly held a commissioner at gunpoint.
They were pretty shocked to learn he has now escaped and is back on the run.
“What you’re looking at is an engine of crime, a person that when he walks the streets free, he’s victimizing folks,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones.
Authorities are once again on the lookout for 35-year-old Christopher Pitre.
Back in April police arrested him for a string of crimes, including burglarizing the Maison Grande condo’s mini-mart and for stealing a woman’s car.
On April 11, police said he held Miami Beach Commissioner Joe Magazine at gunpoint after the commissioner found the man sleeping in his car.
“He was armed, on drugs, and had a loaded weapon in his waistband with a round in the chamber,” said Magazine. “That’s what our police encountered.”
While participating in an off-site program, police say Pitre managed to take off his ankle monitor and he’s once again on the run.
“Victims have rights,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “We often forget about this, but there are victims on the other side of these cases.”
While speaking to the media, Meiner said the case underscores the need for bail reform and tougher judges more reluctant to grant bond and house arrest.
“The common theme is that these individuals have serious prior records and were out on bond,” said Meiner.
He also floated the possibility that Miami Beach could elect its own judges going forward.