MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A man has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted a Miami Beach commissioner in Miami Beach.
Miami Beach Police were called to the scene near First Street and Washington Avenue, just after 9:15 p.m., Wednesday.
According to police, a man allegedly shoved Commissioner Michael Gongora. Officers later located the man and arrested him.
Police said the incident is being investigated as a simple battery.
#MiamiBeach City Commissioner Michael Gongora was the victim of a simple battery tonight in the South of 5th neighborhood. He was not injured, and an arrest was made of a man whose name was not provided. @MiamiBeachPD say it happed near 1st Street and Washington Ave. @wsvn
— Sheldon Fox-7 News (@fox_sheldon) July 18, 2019
In a text to 7News, Gongora said, “I’m fine thanks, it was a simple battery from random stranger on street with me as victim.”
He later provided more details surrounding the incident.
“When I stopped and asked him, ‘Why’d you just hit me? What are you doing?’ The man got in my face very aggressive and told me if and when he were to hit me I would be on the floor and not be able to get up,” said Gongora. “He then started using homophobic slurs and name calling. Then he made true on his threat and kept shoving into me physically.”
Gongora did not suffer any injuries that required immediate treatment, police said.
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Police said the subject was released on Thursday morning pending further investigation. However, charges may be forthcoming.
Gongora said before the encounter, he attended a commission meeting sponsoring changes to the city’s anti-bullying practices.
After the incident, he feels the initiatives have a long way to go.
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