Police: South Beach man pointing rifle had mental health breakdown

SOUTH BEACH, Fla. ā€“ A man who wielded a rifle and stood on a balcony on Friday in South Beach was having a mental health breakdown when he was pointing it at neighbors and strangers, police said.

Tourists and residents along West Avenue reported a heavy police presence and a blocked perimeter. There were drones, armored vehicles, and heavily armed law enforcement officers with the SWAT unit outside of the Mirador condominium, between 12 and 13 streets.

Residents of the condominium complex facing Biscayne Bay, across Star Island, said they recognized the armed man wearing a white tank top as a problematic neighbor. According to Officer Christopher Bees, a spokesman for the Miami Beach Police Department, the gunman never fired.

Detectives asked anyone with information about this or other cases to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.


About the Authors
Liane Morejon headshot

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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