19-Year-Old Man Accused In Violent Miami Protest

MIAMI, FL — A 19-year-old Hernando County man will face charges in Miami in connection with a violent protest in downtown Miami sparked by the death of George Floyd, according to Miami police.

Sebastian Manuel Romero was taken into custody Friday in Weeki Wachee, Florida with assistance from the Hernando County Sheriff's office.

Miami police believe Romero was part of a group of protesters on May 30 that could be seen on video damaging a Miami police car and ultimately setting fire to it.

"Early in the investigation, detectives obtained video footage posted to a social media account depicting a Hispanic male wearing a black T-shirt, black backpack, and a Venezuelan flag-themed cap using a blue cooler to shatter the front and rear windshields and to damage the hood and trunk of a parked City of Miami Police vehicle," Miami police said Monday. "Other suspects soon joined in, and the vehicle was ultimately fully engulfed in flames."

Police said the protest began as a peaceful gathering but turned violent.

"Several subjects were observed throwing bottles, rocks and large pieces of debris at Miami Police officers and vehicles," Miami police said. "As a result, several officers were injured, and several city of Miami police vehicles were burglarized, damaged and, or set on fire."

Miami Police said investigators tied Romero to the damage through surveillance video.

"Ironically, the vehicle that was the target of the looters’ rage was assigned to a Miami Police Academy instructor who trains police officers in de-escalation techniques," Miami police said.

Romero has been extradited to Miami, where he will face charges for inciting a riot and felony criminal mischief over $1,000, according to police.

"To date, Miami Police detectives have apprehended seven suspects responsible for lawless behavior that has nothing to do with peaceful protest," Miami police said. "We value peaceful protest as a cherished constitutional right, but we will not tolerate violence and acts of vandalism, and we will hold those engaging in such behavior accountable."

Miami police said they will continue to look for others who participated in acts of violence.

To report a tip, call the Miami Police Department at 305-579-6111. Alternatively, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471- TIPS (8477), visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or Send a text message to 274637. Enter CSMD followed by the tip information and press send.