MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A night of partying in Miami Beach took a dangerous turn for a British tourist when an argument escalated into a robbery, leaving the victim without his cellphone and the suspect behind bars, police confirmed Tuesday.
According to an arrest report from the Miami Beach Police Department, the victim and 40-year-old Jagjot Matharu had spent part of Saturday morning and evening together before an argument broke out near the 7000 block of Harding Avenue, on North Beach, at around 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
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During the confrontation, police said Matharu pointed a small pocket knife at the victim and demanded his phone, repeatedly saying, “Let me see your f------ phone.”
Miami Beach police confirmed surveillance video captured the tense exchange, where Matharu was seen holding the knife and taking the victim’s phone.
Authorities said after the theft occurred, Matharu fled the scene on foot.
Determined to get his phone back, the victim gave chase but was unable to catch him.
During the altercation, Matharu shouted at the victim: “Welcome to America, b----,” the report stated.
Unable to retrieve his phone, the victim entered a nearby hotel to contact the police.
While speaking with a front desk manager of the hotel where he was staying, authorities said the victim identified Matharu from a driver’s license photo. Police said Matharu had previously been trespassed from the hotel.
Police said a Ring surveillance camera located at the scene provided additional audio and video evidence of the robbery. Authorities said they located and arrested Matharu on Sunday.
During a search following the arrest, officers said found the stolen cellphone in Matharu’s possession.
Jail records show Matharu is facing one count of armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon.
As of Tuesday, he is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond has not yet been determined.