Man Accused Of Hitting MB Police Officer Denied Bond
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – An 18-year-old is facing serious felony charges after he is accused of hitting an officer and then fleeing over the weekend.
Meshach Samuels and another driver, Easton Standburry Jr., were racing down Ocean Drive around 10:40 Saturday evening, according to Miami Beach Police. A group of bike patrol pulled them over on 7th Street.
Officer Eddie Alba, who has been on the force for seven years and is also a decorated war hero, asked Samuels for his driver's license.
Police said Samuels instead took off dragging Officer Alba who had put his arm through the open window to stop Samuels from hitting pedestrians.
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"Racing on Ocean Drive at 10:30 at night on a Saturday night—it's wildly reckless," said Chief Daniel Oates with the Miami Beach Police Department.
Surveillance video shows Samuels' rented 2014 Mercedes driving down Collins Avenue. Officer Alba was rushed to the hospital, suffering from a severe concussion and road rash.
Officer Alba was recognized for his military service last December and spoke at that time what serving means to him.
"I enjoy this line of work. I enjoy being a public servant. I love being able to give back to my community. This country's done so much for me and it's an honor being able to serve my country," Officer Alba said at the time.
Samuels is facing numerous felony charges including the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Samuels was denied bond during Monday's hearing.