A 35-year-old man was apprehended Monday in connection to a daring armed burglary and assault involving Miami Beach Commissioner Joe Magazine, police disclosed. Identified as Christopher Pitre, the suspect faces serious charges including aggravated assault with a firearm, after allegedly being caught on camera illegally entering a secure garage and pilfering Magazine’s vehicle, according to a report by WSVN.
Upon being caught in the act on Thursday at 650 West Ave, Pitre reportedly pointed a gun at Magazine and fled on a distinct black and gold stand-up scooter, this account stems from the arrest report, as mentioned by Commissioner Magazine during what must have been an alarming confrontation, Pitre, a convicted felon with prior felony convictions in Texas and Alabama, was later spotted and arrested by a Miami Beach officer as he rode the same scooter on Meridian Ave.
The arrest, first reported by 7News, was confirmed by Miami Beach Police who indicated that Pitre was in possession of a loaded Ruger .380 equipped with a laser sight at the time of his arrest. 7News posted on X highlighted that the weapon carried by Pitre is believed to be the one used in the crime against Commissioner Magazine.
Miami Beach Police arrested who they say pointed a gun at Commissioner Joe Magazine last week as 1st reported by #7News. Christopher Pitre was picked up Monday night. Cops say he was carrying the gun believed to have been used during the crime. @wsvn #Exclusive story below: https://t.co/2EFNJqCVGl pic.twitter.com/Z2M0GNuOG5
— Sheldon Fox-7 News (@fox_sheldon) April 16, 2024
Pitre's admission to the crimes came during the course of a police interrogation, which perhaps sheds light on the intersection of recklessness and desperation, it is a saga that will continue to unfold as he is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Miami Beach community and its officials await a news conference set for 2 p.m. in reference to this high-profile arrest, signaling a larger conversation about public safety and accountability amidst crises that seem to roil through the corridors of our shared spaces.
