Avraham Gil, the 19-year-old son of an Israeli consulate official, is facing charges of aggravated battery against a police officer in Miami after an incident that occurred last weekend. Despite originally claiming diplomatic immunity, the U.S. State Department has clarified that Gil does not enjoy such protections. The incident in question saw Gil, reportedly on his motorcycle, allegedly running over a Sunny Isles Beach police officer who was conducting a traffic stop, as per the complaint obtained by HuffPost.
According to CBS News Miami, Gil allegedly ignored the officer's commands to stop and "intentionally ran him over him," a claim his attorney denies. In his defense, the attorney David Seltzer stated that the teen had no intent to hit the police officer, suggesting that video evidence will support his client's innocence. Additional to the incident, Gil had two previous encounters with the police in Miami Shores for speeding.
David Seltzer contested Gil's immunity status in county court, leading to his initial release from jail. However, after verification from the State Department, it has been asserted that Gil is the dependent of a consular officer but is "not entitled to civil or criminal immunity." As reported by HuffPost, the father, Eli Gil, is consul for administration at Israel's consulate in Miami.
Following confirmation of his status, the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office has announced that they are proceeding with the investigation as conventional. In a DUI of troubling details, the Sunny Isles Police Department also shared the aftermath of the event, including a photograph of the officer's injured leg. Gil's arraignment is scheduled for February 28, where the courts will further address the charges brought against him.
