MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A 19-year-old man was arrested Monday after he was captured on surveillance video beating up an OB-GYN doctor at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, authorities said.
According to authorities, Ventura Del Castillo Perez’s mother was a patient of Dr. Steven Silvers, and he was apparently upset because of the medication Silvers prescribed his mother.
According to his arrest report, when police arrived to the hospital Monday morning, they located Del Castillo Perez, who was crying and struggling to catch his breath.
“Defendant stated he was upset about what Doctor Silvers had prescribed his mother and wanted to advise him that he was committing malpractice and also wanted to show him his bad Yelp reviews,” the arrest report stated. “The defendant advised that he then went to the elevator to leave, and Dr. Silvers followed. The defendant stated that Dr. Silvers had his foot on the elevator door and attempted to grab his phone. The defendant stated that he then picked up the doctor and body slammed him in self-defense.”
Noon report:
According to the report, Silvers, who was rendered unconscious during the attack, told police that he did not remember what occurred and doesn’t even remember arriving to work. He said the last thing he recalled was someone speaking to him about his Yelp reviews.
Police said they also interviewed another medical care provider at the hospital, who said she arrived at the hospital with Silvers and saw Del Castillo Perez approach him on the fourth floor.
She said she saw the two men having a discussion and heard Del Castillo Perez accusing the doctor of malpractice, but did not hear any threats being made, authorities said.
According to the report, she said she then went into her office and heard nothing more.
Police said they also spoke with security staff at the hospital and were provided surveillance video which shows Del Castillo Perez pushing the doctor away from the elevator.
5 p.m. report:
Authorities said Silvers then extended his arm in a “defensive manner,” at which time Del Castillo Perez pushed the doctor to the other side of the elevator.
“The victim is seen giving his back attempting to get away from the defendant. The defendant is then seen bear hugging the victim and slamming him on the ground,” the report stated. “The victim’s head is seen hitting the ground and the victim is then seen not moving in a prone position for over 3 minutes.”
Silvers and his son appeared in bond court this week via Zoom as Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer read the suspect his charges.
Silvers described his injuries to the judge, saying he suffered a concussion, a hematoma on the right side of his head, a swollen collarbone, a bruised temple, a bruised right eye, a brain contusion and two broken ribs.
“I was going to my office at 8:15 a.m. in the morning,” he told the judge. “I had a brief interaction with this gentleman, and then I turned to walk away and he jumped me from the back and beat me. There’s clear video at Mount Sinai Hospital that shows this.”
A prosecutor asked the doctor whether he was afraid of Del Castillo Perez, to which he responded, “Absolutely.”
“Have you ever met the defendant before this date?” Glazer asked.
“No,” Silvers answered. “Evidently I cared for his mother about a month ago. I will tell you that he was waiting in the hallway pacing, waiting for me. And I know this because I had an international patient who was waiting in the area of the lobby by the elevators and she told my staff afterwards that she was very nervous. She saw this person walking up and down the hallways, up and down the hallways prior to me arriving, and in fact, when this all happened, she really didn’t even know who I was until she went into her office appointment at 9, and realized I was the doctor who was supposed to cure her.”
Del Castillo Perez faces charges of aggravated battery and battery on an emergency medical care provider.
Glazer ultimately ordered that Del Castillo Perez remain at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.
He was also ordered to stay away from Silvers, as well as the hospital.
Another hearing is scheduled next week before a division judge who will decide whether Del Castillo Perez will be allowed to bond out of jail.
Silvers released a statement to Local 10 News Thursday, which read: “For over 35 years, I have had the privilege of bringing joy to new parents and caring for women in our community. My commitment extends beyond local boundaries, as I have actively volunteered both here and globally for over 35 years as well. I continue to work because I am passionate about my patients and my profession. This situation, however, has been incredibly difficult for both me and my family.”
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