269-2001 LTC CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No./
To:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Date: December 11, 2001
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez ~N~,,,/
City Manager
Subject: DAMAGE TO THE M ORAH AT EUCLID CIRCLE
This Letter to the Commission is to advise you of the vandalism to the Menorah at Euclid
Circle and the Police Department's investigation and response.
The Menorah has been placed at Euclid Circle, located at Euclid Avenue and Lincoln
Road, in celebration of Hanukkah. A private religious group with the City's permission
placed it there. The owner of the Menorah has reported to the Police Department that it
was vandalized three times between December 6 and December 10, 2001. It is suspected
that these acts occurred in the late night/early morning hours. The first act was very minor
in nature and the owner elected not to inform the Police. However, the subsequent acts
have resulted in significantly more damage to the Menorah and the owner notified the
Police.
The Police Department began an immediate investigation and was able to locate an
eyewitness. The witness was able to provide a detailed description of what occurred and a
suspect. This description was published and a patrol officer matched the description with a
suspect he has had dealings with in the past. The suspect was located and was positively
identified as the perpetrator of the acts. He has been arrested and charged with Hate
crimes and vandalism.
Even though this crime has been solved, the Police Department is continuing it's
monitoring of all areas of the City where religious symbols are present.
It is regrettable that this act occurred, but our Police Department deserves accolades for
their timely response to solving this crime and apprehending the offender.
JMG\\~;~IAM\RM\CP\PS\MMS
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