Suspected Palmetto Bay Vandal Caused $500K In Damage

PALMETTO BAY, FL -- The suspected vandal who allegedly ransacked Palmetto Bay Village Hall earlier this week, smearing his own blood on the walls and smashing electronics in an hour-long rampage that caused some $500,000 in damage and left this suburban Miami community shaken, has been arrested in Miami Gardens, according to the Palmetto Bay mayor and Miami-Dade police.

"We have confirmed that the individual suspected of breaking into Village Hall late Wednesday night is now in custody and being processed," said Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham on Saturday. "Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip, Miami Gardens police identified 38-year-0ld Holdson Marcelin early this afternoon inside the North Dade Regional Library on Northwest 183rd street."

Marcelin, who is homeless, was charged with burglary with damage, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more, damage to art in a public building of $1,000 or more and mutilation of a public flag, according to Miami-Dade police.

Arrest documents said Marcelin allegedly had a 15-minute conversation with a police sergeant outside Village Hall moments before the incident. Miami-Dade police said the police sergeant discussed personal property procedures with Marcelin related to Marcelin's March 23 arrest on an outstanding warrant from Illinois.

Minutes after the officer left, Marcelin allegedly picked up a large metal garbage can outside Village Hall and "smashed the front doors" two times causing the doors to pop open.

"Holdson Marcelin entered the building and began destroying items in the front lobby by smashing things on the ground and throwing objects throughout the area," arrest documents said. It was also there that he damaged a television.

"Holdson Marcelin made his way to the north hallway and damaged several walls and completely turned office equipment and filing cabinets upside down, thus causing extensive damage," the documents continued.

Arrest documents said Marcelin cut himself at one point and "spread his blood on all the walls in all the offices."

Cunningham said the arrest came as "wonderful news for our entire community."

She praised village employees for rolling up their sleeves to get the municipal complex cleaned up and operational in one day.

"I want to take this opportunity to remind our residents that our community is safe and we will work to ensure it stays that way," the mayor added. "This was an isolated incident and unfortunately, it was our community that was affected. We will not tolerate criminal activity and we will remain vigilant to ensure your safety. Rest assured crime has no place in our village."

Marcelin was released following his March arrest due to the inability of police to extradite him.

"He made his way into the council chambers and damaged three additional large screen television sets and numerous phone and computer systems as well as a lectern containing additional electronic devices," arrest documents said. "Holdson Marcelin exited the chambers and proceeded down the south hallway, while dragging an American flag and damaging walls and paintings created by local artists," the documents said. "The collective damages of the painting is estimated to be approximately $21,500.

"He continued to cause major damages to walls and the electronic keycard system used to gain entry additional hallways," arrest documents added. "The entire crime lasted approximately 56 minutes and was captured on video surveillance. The total costs of the damage caused by Holdson Marcelin are estimated to be approximately $500,000."

Miami-Dade police said the American flag that was taken from the reception area was found with burn marks along U.S .1 and SW 168 Street on the side of the road. The flag had blood stains that were believed to be from Marcelin.

Following his arrest, Miami-Dade police said Marcelin boasted: "Did you see what I did to the American flag?"

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).