MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A violent attempted robbery on South Beach ended in the arrest of a 26-year-old woman who allegedly assaulted multiple police officers while resisting arrest on Saturday night, authorities confirmed Monday.
The incident began just before 9:30 p.m. after Miami Beach police officers responded to a report of an attempted strong-arm robbery in the 800 block of Ocean Drive.
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Police said the victim, who was walking northbound on Ocean Drive wearing a black bookbag, was approached by Kimberly Gonzalez, who demanded the bag, saying, “That’s my bag, give me my bag.”
According to an arrest report, Gonzalez then tried to forcibly take the bookbag from the victim by pulling on it and knocking the victim to the ground in the process.
While the victim struggled to maintain possession of the bag, Gonzalez allegedly battered him across the body and arms, the report stated. The victim sustained redness and abrasions to his arms as a result of the assault, police said.
Despite the violent confrontation, authorities said the victim managed to hold onto his bookbag, and Gonzalez fled the scene.
The attempted robbery was witnessed by several bystanders, including a restaurant manager from “Oh Mexico,” according to investigators.
Police said the manager not only saw the robbery attempt but was also able to provide CCTV footage that captured the incident, along with a clear description of Gonzalez.
Miami Beach police said officers were speaking with the victim when Gonzalez was spotted walking northbound along Ocean Drive.
Authorities said the officers quickly approached the suspect and detained her at the 900 block of Ocean Drive for a live show-up with the witness and victim.
However, as the officers attempted to have the two identify the suspect, police said Gonzalez began aggressively resisting and kicked one of the officers in the inner left thigh.
Authorities said another officer responded by using a leg sweep to bring Gonzalez to the ground, where additional officers held her down to prevent further injury to themselves or others.
Police said the alleged violent resistance didn’t end there. While officers tried to gain control, Gonzalez kicked one responding officer in the groin and another in the torso and stomach area, forcing them to use additional restraint measures, according to her arrest report.
Authorities said given Gonzalez’s increasingly aggressive behavior, a prisoner transport wagon was requested. Gonzalez was eventually transported to the MBPD’s holding facility, the report stated.
Miami Beach Fire Rescue responded to the scene as well to evaluate Gonzalez but said no visible injuries were observed. Authorities said the victim refused medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during the attempted robbery.
In addition to the attempted strong-armed robbery charge, jail records show Gonzalez is also facing three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer.
As of Monday, Gonzalez was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where her bond had not yet been determined.