LTC 045-2011 Arrest - Recent Fires m MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 045 -2011 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: February 17, 2011
SUBJECT: Arrest — Recent Fires
The purpose of this LTC (Letter to Commission) is to report positive developments in the
investigation of multiple fires which have taken place in the City in recent days.
I am pleased to report that a subject is in custody in relation to the fire last night at 1817 James
Avenue and in relation to a fire earlier in the day at 926 Jefferson Avenue. The arrest was the result
of enhanced surveillance in the Collins Park area due to the recent fires, as well as the ongoing
investigation.
The Miami Beach Police Department found probable cause and credible evidence that resulted in
the arrest of Joel Paul Williams, a 33 -year old transient who arrived in the area on February 2, 2011.
The investigation remains open on this as well as the other 3 (three) structural fires that occurred
over the past 8 (eight) days. However, this individual is also a person of interest in these other
incidents, as well as the series of small dumpster fires that occurred on February 16, 2011. As a
result, we are asking residents to report any suspicious behavior by calling 9 -1 -1.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the Miami Beach Fire Department
(MBFD) and Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) who have demonstrated their professionalism
and diligence as they responded to the recent incidents and the subsequent investigation.
I also want to extend our appreciation to the City of Miami Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal's
Office, and the Department of Alcohol and Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for their continuing
assistance with these cases.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
JMG /DM
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