Man In 'Crisis' Ran Into Miami Beach Traffic: Cops

MIAMI BEACH, FL -- A 36-year-old Miami man was in "crisis" when he darted into traffic Sunday along a busy stretch of Miami Beach, according to Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department.

A police report said Robert M. Snyder appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance as officers chased him at 17 Street and Alton Road shortly before 1 p.m.

"Upon arrival officers observed Mr. Snyder running towards vehicle traffic," Miami Beach police said. "Officers attempted to detain and restrain Mr. Snyder who was throwing punches at the direction of officers and resisting by continuing to evade officers by running towards vehicle traffic."

Miami Beach police said it took five officers to restrain Snyder and place him in handcuffs for his safety.

"Mr. Snyder was foaming from the mouth and was screaming at officers," the police report said, adding that Snyder was not injured during the incident,

Miami Beach police said Snyder allegedly shattered the door of a Miami-Dade County Transit bus with his elbow.

"Officers feared that Mr. Snyder would cause serious harm to himself or placing others in danger and he was Marchman Acted," police said.

The Marchman Act is a means of providing an individual in need of substance abuse services with emergency services and temporary detention for substance abuse evaluation and treatment either on a voluntary or involuntary basis, according to Florida court officials.

Snyder was taken by Miami Beach Fire Rescue to Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano