FIU Police Department Deputy Chief arrested

By: Joshua Ceballos/News Director

 

This article was updated on Nov. 26 with new information

 

The Deputy Chief of FIU’s Police Department was arrested in Coral Gables Friday, Nov. 16, and the police report paints a wild picture of the events leading up to his arrest.

When Officer Andrew Luksa arrived at Hillstone restaurant on Miracle Mile at around 10 p.m., he met with the two off-duty officers and the subject in their custody: Benjamin Guerrero.

Some time before around 10 p.m., Guerrero was having drinks at Hillstone and was told by the manager that his tab had to be closed. Hillstone’s policy states that a customer has to be cut off once they get too intoxicated, and the deputy chief had apparently crossed that line.

Guerrero, the report states, got argumentative with management and was asked to leave.

The two officers who were running security at the restaurant attempted to escort Guerrero out when he cursed at them and swung his arm, striking one officer on the face.

The struggle continued as the Coral Gables police tried to gain control of Guerrero while he pushed and struck, until they put him in handcuffs and removed him from the restaurant.

The Coral Gables Police Department took Guerrero into custody, and charged him with two counts of battery against a police officer, one count of resisting arrest with violence and one count of disorderly intoxication.

Battery against an officer and resisting arrest with violence are felony charges, and can lead to up to 5 years in prison if he is found guilty.

The University released a statement to Student Media regarding Guerrero’s arrest from FIUPD Chief Alexander Casas on Saturday, Nov. 17.  

We are saddened to hear of the arrest of one of our officers last night. FIUPD holds all our officers to the highest standards of behavior,” Casas’ statement reads. “We are taking appropriate administrative action regarding this incident.”

It is unclear what administrative action will be taken against Guerrero, as of press time.

 

Feature Image retrieved from FIUPD Facebook page.

 

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