There have been a series of violent shootings during spring break in Miami. The city of Miami Beach on Sunday issued a state of emergency and imposed a curfew after two fatal shootings occurred. The curfew began Sunday at 11:59 p.m. and went through Monday at 6 a.m. An additional curfew is likely to be put in place Thursday through next Monday, March 27. The curfew mainly affects South Beach, the most popular party location for spring breakers.
City of Miami Beach Issues State of Emergency and Curfew
– Curfew to be in effect on Sunday, March 19 from 11:59 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 with separate emergency measures to be issued from Thursday, March 23 through Sunday, March 27, 2023 – pic.twitter.com/qYqwxLHxFA— City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) March 19, 2023
Police have arrested and charged 24 year old Dontavious Polk with first degree murder for the most recent shooting.
Miami Beach police posted that officers heard gunfire around 3:30 a.m. near 11th Street and Ocean Drive.
Shooting Investigation: On Sunday, March 19 at 3:29 a.m. Miami Beach Police officers heard gunshots near 11 Street and Ocean Drive and found one male with gunshot wounds along the 1000 block of Ocean Drive.
1/4
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 19, 2023
When the officers arrived, they found the unidentified man suffering from gunshot wounds in the 1000 block of Ocean Drive. In surveillance video obtained by Tea With Tia, Polk allegedly shot the man several times and then fired additional rounds while standing over the victim after he collapsed in the street. According to the police report, Polk was wearing a yellow T-shirt and yellow and black sneakers, which could be seen in the video.
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ Graphic Content !
Surveillance video shows the moment 24 year old Dontavious Leonard Polk shot a man in Miami during spring break 11 times. He has been arrested and charged with first degree murder. pic.twitter.com/arAzDK1YqX
— TeaWithTia (@RealTeaWithTia) March 20, 2023
The victim was shot 11 times in unspecified areas of the body. Medical workers rushed the victim to the Ryder Trauma Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Arrest Of The Suspect
Polk proceeded to run west after shooting the victim. Miami Dade Police Officer Brewster #7088 saw Polk running and gave him verbal commands to stop where he was and to put his hands up. Polk ignored those commands and kept running towards Ocean Court, the police then took part in a foot chase. During the chase, Polk dropped the firearm he used in the shooting. The weapon was identified as a Glock with an extended magazine.
Officers Melendez #1191 and Bolanos #1125 were able to intercept the suspect and tackle him to the ground. Once apprehended Polk complained about a pre-existing gunshot wound and he was transported to the Ryder Trauma Center. Following the chase 2 weapons were recovered. Polk remains in custody and he waived his Miranda rights. He admits to being at the scene but has not admitted to anything further.
Was There a Motive?
According to investigators, the shooting was targeted but police did not disclose a motive for the incident or say if the man knew the person who shot him. Polk intentionally shot the victim 11 times at close range as he walked with an unidentified female.
