Tuesday's night near Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach took an unexpected turn when a Surfside Police Department cruiser was found with slashed tires. According to Local 10 News, 35-year-old Marcus Covington was arrested in connection to the crime after being located by Miami Beach police on the Julia Tuttle Causeway. Upon his capture, authorities discovered a loaded gun, knife, magazines, and pepper spray in his possession, leading to charges that included criminal mischief and possession of a firearm while committing a crime.
The incident was caught on surveillance video showing Covington approaching the police vehicle and then moving away quickly after deflating the two tires. A Surfside Police officer, who was at the hospital with an arrestee at the time, was alerted to the loss of tire pressure by a notification on his phone, as per WSVN. Body camera footage later captured police officers assessing the damaged tires, noting the slash marks.
Shortly after a "be on the lookout" alert was sent out over police radio, a Miami Beach Police Department captain identified and apprehended Covington. During the arrest, Covington was recorded on body camera resisting and can be heard shouting, "Get your hands off my neck, NOW!" as per WSVN.
WSVN also reported that while being placed under arrest, Covington was seen on camera smiling, although this did not deter the gravity of the situation with Miami Beach Police Spokesperson Christopher Bess describing him as "a very brazen and dangerous individual." Covington's subsequent bond court appearance resulted in a $6,000 bond, and as of the report, he remains in custody.
