A former Miami-Dade detective's world spun out of control after he slammed into a fellow officer's car while allegedly driving under the influence during an on-duty mid-afternoon crash, police said.
Victor Manuel Montalvo, 43, struggled to maintain his balance and was caught on body camera footage lying on the ground and then admitting to responding officers that he "drank too much," as NBC6 reported; the arrest took place back on March 5 near the intersection of Southwest 72nd Street and 144th Avenue in Kendale Lakes, Montalvo's gun was seen on the ground, far away from him after he apparently drew it from his waistband creating a tense moment before he was disarmed.
In the bodycam footage obtained by Local 10 News, an officer can be heard questioning why the gun wasn't secured, to which Montalvo says, "I don’t know," demonstrating his disoriented state after the crash, Montalvo and the injured officer both suffered non-life-threatening injuries according to Detective Andre Martin, a spokesperson for MDPD.
Miami-Dade Police relieved Montalvo of his duties following the incident, with MDPD Director Stephanie V. Daniels expressing her disappointment, saying, "I am disheartened by the recent incident involving one of my officers who was arrested for driving under the influence, while on duty," in a statement released after the incident; his actions, she said, do not reflect the core values of the department, as the video shows a reality far removed from the exemplary 24-year service record that Montalvo's lawyer Mark Lefcourt highlighted when addressing the media.
Montalvo, who had once been part of the cybercrimes unit, faced charges of DUI and DUI with property damage; he secured a release from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after posting a bond set at $2,000 and departed swiftly in an SUV, attempting to dodge questions from the press.
For those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, assistance is available by calling 1-800-662-4357 or visiting the federal government's resource page provided in the Local 10 News report.
