The search for an alleged serial trespasser accused of battering a Miami Police officer ended with a chaotic arrest that was caught on camera.
According to the arrest report, on Jan. 6, the man entered a restricted residential area on the 15th floor and refused to identify himself or leave the building located at 55 Northeast 5th Street.
When officers arrived, they asked him to provide his name. He told them his girlfriend lived in the building, prompting an officer to ask him to call her.
The report states that the suspect, 36-year-old Ejiofor Onyechi, initially appeared to comply. About five minutes later, however, he stood up and began walking toward the door.
“Due to the defendant’s continued refusal to identify himself, failure to comply with lawful commands, and failure to dispel the officer’s alarm,” the officer requested emergency assistance, the report said.
Police say Onyechi then struck the officer in the neck and pushed him against a wall.
While fleeing, Onyechi ran down a stairwell and set off several fire alarms. Police established a perimeter and launched a K-9 search but were unable to locate him.
The following day, Jan. 7, an officer identified Onyechi traveling southbound on Northwest 2nd Avenue near Northwest 6th Street, not far from where the initial incident occurred.
Court documents said police attempted to conduct a stop while the defendant was operating a standing electric scooter. Onyechi allegedly fled toward Northwest 5th Street and re-entered the building.
Officers, including tactical units, conducted another search. After nearly an hour, Onyechi was taken into custody.
“The defendant was ultimately located on the 14th floor, hiding inside a storage room,” police said.
Video from Only in Dade captured the chaotic arrest.
Onyechi was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, on charges including battery on a police officer, resisting an officer with violence, loitering or prowling and false fire alarm.
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