Palmetto Bay Mayor Asks For Public's Help In Finding Suspect

PALMETTO BAY, FL -- In a town where there's very little crime, Palmetto Bay officials are outraged that someone vandalized Village Hall this week. The mayor said officials believe they know who was responsible and she's asking for the public's help in finding him.

"Right now, police continue to actively search for a known suspect after Wednesday night’s burglary and vandalism of Palmetto Bay Village Hall," said Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham in a letter to residents on Friday.

"The man was seen on surveillance video breaking and entering the building at 11:55 p.m.," she said. "He was then seen causing extensive damage to the first floor. No one was hurt as the building was empty."

The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Marcelin Holdson, a homeless man, who was recently arrested in South Florida on an outstanding warrant from the Chicago area. He was later released due to the inability of police to extradite him.

"There is an active fugitive warrant for the subject out of Illinois for assault on a law enforcement officer but extradition is only for the surrounding states," according to the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The mayor said additional police patrols have been ordered while officers search for Holdson.

"It’s believed he vandalized our municipal center as an act of rage," she said. "Due to the earlier incident in Illinois, he is considered armed and dangerous."

To report a tip, contact the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit at 305-278-4000 or call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).