A rideshare driver was allegedly held at gunpoint and forced to transport two men to Miami Beach, sparking a tense police response late Tuesday night.
According to Miami Beach Police Department, officers were called to the 1400 block of Ocean Drive around 9:15 p.m. after the driver reported being threatened with a firearm. The suspects had reportedly been picked up outside the city before coercing the driver to continue the trip under duress.
Police quickly located both individuals near the scene. One suspect was immediately taken into custody, while the second fled and barricaded himself inside a nearby building, triggering a large-scale response involving SWAT teams.
The situation caused alarm among residents and tourists in the area. Visitors were temporarily prevented from returning to their accommodations as officers secured the scene.
“We came back from dinner and weren’t allowed inside,” said witness Ethan Sewall, describing the confusion. Another tourist, Tierra Esquerre, said the incident was frightening, adding that the heavy police presence intensified the situation.
Authorities confirmed that the barricaded suspect was safely taken into custody just after 1 a.m. without further incident. No injuries have been reported.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not yet released additional details about the suspects or potential charges.