4 arrested following confrontation outside Miami Beach restaurant

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have arrested four people in connection to a confrontation outside of a Miami Beach restaurant.

Miami Beach Police responded to the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Eighth Street at around 9:30 p.m., Wednesday.

Cellphone video captured a group of people engaged in a loud verbal fight outside of The Licking restaurant in the area of Washington Avenue and Eighth Street. According to police, several people were throwing bottles at the windows and at security guards.

Then, security and others from The Licking chased the people who appeared to be throwing the objects a block west along Eighth Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Police initially arrived to the area, believed the situation was under control and left. However, after the incident occurred, the police responded once again when multiple people were seen fighting, pushing and shoving.

Investigators have taken two men and two women into custody. Artesha Tompkins, Eric Whitaker, Renika Tracey and Daka Misher are facing various charges, including disorderly conduct.

Several Miami Beach Police cruisers could be seen in the area while officers worked the scene.

On Jan. 31, a triple shooting happened outside of the same restaurant, sending all three victims to the hospital. The accused gunman remains on the run.

The latest incident comes hours removed from a public virtual conference, when city leaders and police announced preparations for crowd control for this year’s spring break.

“We’re expecting the worst. We’re planning for that,” Miami Beach Police Deputy Chief Wayne Jones said.

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