MIAMI (WSVN) - The City of Miami Police Department has suspended one of its officers in connection with a littering incident in 2020 that led to the officer’s arrest in Broward County.
7News cameras captured Miami Police Officer Guillermo Arteaga as he walked out of the Broward County Jail in Fort Lauderdale, Tuesday night.
7News reporter Sheldon Fox asked the 35-year-old officer to comment on the incident and the charges he is facing.
“I’m just trying to get your take on what happened with you littering. What happened, man?” said Fox.
Arteaga did not say anything and kept on walking.
“Why did you get arrested? I’m just trying to get your take; we want to get your side of the story,” said Fox.
Arteaga remained silent as he walked down some stairs toward a parking lot.
Back in April of 2020, Arteaga was cited by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for dumping trash back on the side of Pembroke Road, near U.S. 27.
Court records show Arteaga never showed up for a court date on June 29, 2023, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Arteaga was arrested and booked into the Broward County Jail on a violation of Florida’s litter law over five pounds.
A 7News source said Arteaga was taken into custody while he was at work and has been relieved of duty.
“Should cops be able to break the law like that and litter? Would you arrest somebody if they were littering?” Fox asked Arteaga outside the Broward County Jail. “Just tell us what happened so that we can get your perspective. Nothing for 7News?”
Arteaga declined to comment, as he looked at his smartphone in the parking lot.
“All right, it’s just our job. We’re just trying to get your side of the story,” said Fox.
7News photojournalist Andrew Reid also attempted to get a quote from Arteaga, but while the police officer did not discuss his charges, he did reply to the camera operator.
“Sir, can you please stop following me? You’re kind of in my personal space,” said Arteaga.
When asked whether he had a comment, Arteaga replied, “No, I don’t have anything. Can you please stop following me?”
It hasn’t been a banner year for Miami Police. Back in June, Chief Manny Morales addressed the suspension of four officers as part of an ongoing internal affairs investigation.
A 7News source said this investigation involves drugs and may be tied to an officer’s ex-girlfriend stealing his undercover vehicle.
In March, surveillance video showed a group of bicyclists beating a man and stomping on his car near the Adrienne Arsht Center. The beatdown happened in front of a Miami Police cruiser, as an officer sat in the vehicle, facing the crime and not responding.
Other officers eventually responded to the scene, but all the cyclists got away. The matter remains under internal affairs review, with at least one officer suspended.
A Miami Police spokesperson issued a statement on Arteaga’s case on Wednesday. It reads in part:
“We hold our officers to the highest standard and will take all necessary action to address any misconduct or allegations of misconduct by our members.”
According to Miami-Dade County’s website, anyone caught littering up to 500 pounds could face fines up to $2,500, and if found guilty, they could be sentenced to serve up to 300 hours cleaning up illegal dumping sites.
As of Wednesday evening, there is no word on what repercussions Arteaga will face.
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