A hooded man caught on security cameras appears to spark a sidewalk trash can fire along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach early Monday, and by the next day police say they had a suspect in custody. Flames erupted near 9th Street and pulled fire crews to several spots along the busy tourist strip. City officials say the same person is suspected of setting two other trash cans on fire that morning.
Security video captures blaze near Sherbrooke Hotel
The footage, turned over to investigators by the owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, shows a small flicker inside a trash bin around 4 a.m. that quickly balloons into a full-on blaze, according to NBC6. Miami Beach Fire Rescue crews put out fires at Collins Avenue and 7th Street, Collins and 9th Street, and Collins and Espanola Way, the outlet reports. Hotel owner Mitch Novick told TV crews he spotted the flames while reviewing security footage and then handed the video to police.
Police say a flyer and a face tattoo led to an arrest
Investigators identified 45-year-old Franklin Lee and detained him on Tuesday, WSVN reports. Police said a printed flyer and a distinctive green-star tattoo under the man's right eye helped them match him to the person in the video. According to the station, Lee faces three counts of criminal mischief along with an additional cocaine possession charge.
Records describe a confession and about $6,000 in damage
Miami-Dade jail and arrest records state that Lee waived his rights and admitted to setting the bin seen on camera as well as two other trash cans, and police estimate the fires caused roughly $6,000 in damage, according to NBC6. An officer reportedly put together the flyer that led to Lee's identification, and the Miami Beach Police Department says the investigation is still active. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact MBPD at 305-673-7900.
Legal context
Lee is currently booked on criminal mischief counts, but Florida law allows certain property damage offenses to be upgraded depending on the value of the loss and other details. Under Florida Statute Section 806.13, damage above $1,000 can elevate an incident to felony-level criminal mischief, and Chapter 806 outlines the state's arson statutes and penalties. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue more serious charges as the case moves forward. The statutes provide the legal framework for any potential counts and penalties as the state attorney reviews the file (Florida Statutes).
Miami Beach police say the investigation is ongoing and are again urging anyone with tips or relevant video to call 305-673-7900. Business owners along the Collins Avenue corridor say they hope the arrest calms safety worries while authorities finish their work on the case.
