🌱 Miami Beach Police Officer Found Guilty Of Battery + Chip City

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Miami Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days. Today's issue includes updates on...

• A South Florida resident is speaking out about a kidnapping incident in Mexico after two Americans were recently killed in the country.
• A Miami-Dade narcotics officer was grazed in the head and hospitalized on Wednesday.
• New York-based Chip City will soon open it first Florida location on Miami Beach.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and breezy. High: 78 Low: 68.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Miami? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top stories in Miami today:

1. A Miami barber is speaking out about a kidnapping experience in Mexico, following the death of two Americans by gunmen on Friday. 38-year-old Miami resident Oscar Wall said he was abducted in 2018 by a drug cartel in Cancun. Wall said he was a target due to a successful business in Mexico. (WPLG Local 10)
2. A Miami-Dade Police narcotics officer was grazed in the head and hospitalized on Wednesday. Police have taken one person into custody and are searching for another suspect. The incident happened in Northwest Sixth Avenue and 43rd Street in the Buena Vista West. Anyone with information on the shooting or the suspect's whereabouts is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. (WSVN)
3. A South Florida jury found Miami Beach Police Officer Kevin Perez guilty of simple battery on Wednesday. Perez was originally charged with felony battery; however, the charges were later changed. The incident happened on South Beach on July 26, 2021. (WSVN)
4. New York-based Chip City will open its first Florida location on Miami Beach soon with more locations planned. The first location will be at 1935 West Ave. and is planning for a May opening. More locations are planned in Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach and Miami's MiMo District. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal)
5. Two Black police officers seeking whistleblower status are now imperiled after the decision for the status has fallen to Miami’s city manager after a tie vote. The officers have made claims of corruption against Chief Manuel Morales, according to The Miami Times. (The Miami Times)

Today in Miami:

• Awards Week at Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach. (9 a.m.)
• Food Drive-Thru Hosted By Be Strong International. (9 a.m.)
• Movie Thursdays at Virrick Park Branch Library (4 p.m.)
• Networking Happy Hour At Sweet Liberty, Presented By MCAD Young Urbanists & AIA Miami Emerging Professionals. (5:30 p.m.)
• Official Grand Opening Of Toscana Mare. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "In 1960, Dade County had a population of just over 935,000 people. In that year, the Metropolitan Dade County Fire Department began numbering its fire recruit classes. Dan Burry was a member of Recruit Class 1." (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shared: "MDFR is proud to honor and celebrate the hardworking women that are integral to our department's mission of protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County. #InternationalWomensDay" (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce shared: "✨ During Women's History Month, it is essential to celebrate the trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to society — women like Julia Tuttle." (Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• One World Show (March 11)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Miami Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com