South Beach Stabbing Suspect Seen Brandishing Knife: VIDEO

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Moments before he allegedly stabbed a Miami Beach police officer on Saturday night, 49-year-old Ryan O. Simms can be seen on surveillance video brandishing a large knife in front of one of the busiest nightclubs on South Beach as throngs of people passed by and dozens more filled in the tables outside Mango's Tropical Cafe.

"Officers first became involved in this incident after being notified by security personnel at Mango’s Café of a man threatening their staff with a knife in the 900 block of Ocean Drive," explained Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department on Monday. "Security personnel pointed out the subject for responding officers."

The Miami Beach police officer who was stabbed along tourist-favorite Ocean Drive was identified as Officer Ricardo Castillo, a three-year veteran of the force, who remained in the intensive care unit of Jackson Memorial Hospital on Monday.

Watch surveillance video of Simms below courtesy of the Miami Beach Police Department:

"Prior to joining our agency, he was with the Florida Highway Patrol for nearly four years." Rodriguez said of the officer.

Rodriguez said Castillo was named officer of the month in Miami Beach for his role in the capture of two subjects wanted for pricey watch thefts. He has also received exceptional service awards, letters of commendation and letters of appreciation during his time in Miami Beach.

Officers opened fire on Simms during the altercation. He later died from his injuries at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. The injured police officer was also taken to Ryder.

Rodriguez said he did not know if Simms was homeless. Simms could be seen on the video pulling a large wheeled suitcase along Ocean Drive.

Simms had a prior arrest from out of state but did not appear to have a local arrest record, according to police.

Ocean Drive was closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic between 9 Street and 11 Street following the incident.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said on Sunday that Castillo "has a long road to recovery" but is expected to be OK.

As in the case of all officer-involved shootings in Miami Beach, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation into the shooting.