Miami Beach Homeless Man Accused Of Vandalizing 21 Vehicles

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A homeless man, who police said was living out of his Toyota Prius along Collins Avenue, has been accused of vandalizing 21 vehicles in North Beach earlier this week. Miami Beach Police said 46-year-old Diego Lujan targeted people whom he had arguments with.

Lujan was charged with criminal mischief over $200 after police identified him through surveillance video, according to arrest documents. The 21 vehicle owners awoke Monday morning to find their tires punctured and flattened.

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The damaged vehicles were all parked near 79 Street and Collins Avenue, according to Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department.

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"After speaking with several victims, I was advised most of the people who were targeted have had ongoing arguments with a white male living out of his red Toyota Prius parked in the corner of 79th Street and Collins Court," a Miami Beach police officer stated in arrest documents.

Frustrated residents could be seen changing their tires on Monday. "Both of my vehicles' tires have been slashed," a mother confided to Local 10 News. "There's no reason you're causing problems for the rest of us. I have to go to work. I've got to provide for my kids."

Another man told the news crew he just bought his tires a week earlier.

Police said they approached Lujan as he walked along 79 Street and told him about the vehicle damage.

"Lujan immediately started chuckling and when asked if he observed any damage to his vehicle, Lujan stated he knew his vehicle was fine," according to court documents.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305.471.TIPS.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano