1 Suspect Arrested, 1 Still Loose In Brutal Attack On Tourist In Brickell Area
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - One of the two men accused of beating up a tourist in the Brickell area of Miami has been taken into custody.
The attack happened in the early morning hours of January 2nd on SW 11th Street.
"It's a terrifying incident and something that I certainly do not want to repeat," said the man who did not want to be identified.
The 26-year-old man initially told investigators that he had been drinking with friends and didn't remember if his bloody lip and the cut on the back of his head came from being jumped or falling because he was intoxicated.
A witness told investigators he saw the man being attacked by two men.
He was taken to Mercy Hospital.
"I am fortunate enough to have injuries that will heal over time, it certainly could have been a heck of a lot worse and for that I am incredibly thankful," he said. "But more importantly this needs to be addressed by Miami PD and residents and tourists also need to be aswre of their surroundings so this doesn't happen again."
He told police he remembered being chased by two men because he felt he was being targeted. He said he felt threatened and threw the cup of coffee at them in self-defense. That's when he said he thought they jumped him.
During the course of their investigation, police obtained surveillance video from a nearby liquor store at 1040 South Miami Avenue that showed one of the men punch the man in his face, which dropped him to the sidewalk.
The two men returned minutes later, went through his pockets, and stole a cell phone.
After the surveillance video was publicized, Malcolm Jamal Foster, turned himself in with his attorney by his side.
Police said Foster is the man seen on the video throwing the punch but he didn't tell police much.
"We weren't able to speak to him because he invoked his rights," said Miami Police spokeswoman Kenia Fallat. "Maybe when we catch the other guy, he can give us a better picture."
Foster has been charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor.
Police are still looking for the second suspect, seen in the surveillance image above, in the blue shirt and hat.
If you recognize him, call Miami Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
