A Miami police officer, Guillermo Arteaga, found himself on the other side of the law after he was arrested for failing to appear in court over a two-year-old littering charge. Arteaga, 35, faces the repercussions of an incident stemming from April 2020 when he was apprehended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for illegally disposing of litter along a roadway in Broward County. As reported by Local10, Arteaga received a citation for littering which did not exceed 15 pounds or 27 cubic feet, carrying a seemingly mild fine of $105.
Despite what appeared to be a minor offense, the situation escalated when Arteaga neglected to attend a mandated court hearing in June 2023, resulting in a judge ordering his arrest. The Miami Police Department, confirming Arteaga's status as one of their officers, quickly suspended him following his arrest. Arteaga, subsequently released on a $50 bond, has yet to comment on his arrest or suspension publicly. A spokesperson for the Miami Police Department detailed plans to issue a statement about the incident on Wednesday, as per a 7News source.
Upon Arteaga's release, he was approached by reporters eager for his perspective. As captured on video by 7News, when pressed for a statement Arteaga consistently declined to comment, once saying, "No, I don't have anything. Can you please stop following me?" Miami-Dade County adheres to strong illegal dumping laws, warning that offenders could face fines up to $2,500 and, if found guilty, might serve up to 300 hours cleaning up illegal dumping sites. The exact consequences Arteaga will face for his alleged transgression remain to be announced.
There has been no word yet on the long-term implications for Arteaga's career within the police force, but the forthcoming statement from the department should provide clarity on the matter.
