MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami Beach Police have captured a Virginia man wanted by federal authorities for attempted murder, ending an hours-long search in a holiday weekend that turned violent on the streets of South Beach.
Derrick Markell Robinson was taken into custody at around 1:15 a.m. on Monday.
Just before 10 p.m. on Sunday, one officer spotted Robinson’s car with Virginia tags and attempted to stop him, but he fled from the scene.
Officers set up a large perimeter along Alton Road Sunday night, extending from 16th to 20th streets.
7News cameras captured a heavy police presence near the intersection of Dade Boulevard and Alton Road as a police helicopter hovered above the area.
Cameras also captured a vehicle that appeared to have crashed into a fence. The vehicle’s doors and trunk were open, as if someone had bailed out of it. Police believe it might be related to their search, but they could not confirm this.
The search for Robinson took place after a 33-year-old man was fatally shot near the Walgreens at 14th Street and Collins Avenue, late Saturday night.
Witnesses said they heard several rounds go off, which triggered a panic.
“It sounded like six to 10 pops. I thought it was firecrackers,” said witness Harry Wilson.
“I heard like maybe seven, eight shots,” said witness Michael Robertson.
“Then I heard somebody yell, ‘Shooter!’” said Wilson.
The gunman remains at large. Police said this incident is unrelated to Robinson’s arrest.
Wilson, who is visiting from Ohio to attend the Miami International Boat Show, said this is not the kind of scene he thought he would encounter during his trip.
“It’s kinda surprising. [I’m] shocked,” he said.
But longtime Miami Beach hotel owner Mitch Novick said he wasn’t shocked by the gun violence.
“What happened was predictable,” he said. “It is this zoning which fuels the spring break, carnival-like circus, which is now found throughout Miami.”
Novick said loud music in the entertainment industry is a big part of the problem, and as a result, it has filled a sunny place with shady people. Like Robinson, a four-time convicted felon wanted by the U.S. Marshals for attempted murder in Petersburg, Virginia. Authorities believed he took off on foot.
Police leads provided information to indicate that he was in Miami selling drugs.
After they apprehended Robinson, officers found a loaded gun, a scale and a baggie of narcotics.
Some area residents said they were not allowed back inside their homes while the perimeter was in place.
Police have not released the name of the man who was killed on Saturday because they are still trying to contact next of kin.
If you have any information on the gunman’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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