Man arrested after smashing police cruiser's window with rock, going into Miami Springs canal, chief says - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

A police encounter in Miami Springs escalated dramatically when a man threw a rock at an officer's cruiser and then jumped into a canal to evade arrest. The incident occurred Saturday morning near North Royal Poinciana Boulevard, where video footage captured the 31-year-old suspect, Jandier Molina Arrieta, attempting to swim away from the responding officers.

Police Chief Matthew Castillo detailed the events leading to the confrontation, stating that officers initially approached Molina Arrieta for erratic behavior, during which he threw rocks at a sign. The situation intensified when he targeted the officers directly, smashing a window of the police cruiser. In response to his aggressive actions, including throwing metal train track spikes at the officers, they pursued him as he entered the canal.

Authorities monitored Molina Arrieta's movements from the air while he swam further down the waterway. Eventually, two deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office attempted to reach him in a small boat, successfully negotiating for him to return to the bank of the canal. However, as they approached, they discovered he was armed.

Thanks to the deployment of a K-9 unit, officers were able to subdue and take Molina Arrieta into custody without further incident. He was subsequently taken by paramedics from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Chief Castillo noted the unpredictability of encounters with the public, suggesting that Molina Arrieta may have been under the influence or experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.

Molina Arrieta is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer. The situation highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals exhibiting erratic behavior.