MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – An out-of-state visitor is facing a felony in South Florida after authorities said he tried to carjack a taxicab driver Monday afternoon.
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Miami Beach police said the driver had initially picked up Sundiata Washington, 25, of Metairie, Louisiana, from his hotel and drove him to Miami International Airport.
Police said when they arrived at the airport, Washington became “belligerent” and an officer “did not allow (him) to exit,” so the cab driver drove Washington back to The Alexander Hotel at 5225 Collins Ave. on Mid-Beach.
An arrest report states that when they arrived back at the hotel, Washington refused to pay his $62 fare. Authorities said the cab driver got out of the front seat and “confronted” Washington, who was still sitting in the rear.
The report states Washington, believed to be under the influence of alcohol, made “several attempts to open the driver side door and make entry” and eventually “opened the driver’s side door and was able to gain control of the vehicle.”
Police said he then began pushing the driver out of her cab as she fought him and tried to get him out of the driver’s seat.
The report states she was able to turn off the cab and throw the key fob out. Nevertheless, police said Washington “made several attempts to start the vehicle and shift the vehicle to drive mode but was unable to do so.”
Police said Washington continued fighting the driver as she tried to regain control of the vehicle, saying he “grabbed both of her forearms and pushed her away numerous times.”
When officers arrived, the cab driver and hotel security pointed out Washington, who was still sitting in the driver’s seat, the report states. He “refused to talk to detectives,” according to the report.
Police arrested him on charges of attempted carjacking and transit fare evasion.
Jail records show Washington was being held in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as of late Tuesday morning with a bond listed as “to be set.”