Homeless Man Speaks About Attack, Possible Involvement Of Reality Star's Son
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) - A homeless man who lives on Miami Beach says he was punched in the groin during an incident caught on camera and posted on YouTube. A Miami reality star's son is a suspect in the incident.
Gary Brown said he's confident police will make an arrest.
"Something's going to happen to him. I know that already," he said.
Miami Beach Police say they want to talk to Real Housewives of Miami star Alexia Echevarria's son, Peter Rosello. Police say they believe is Rosello is the young man seen in the YouTube Video, punching Brown as he slept.
The 36 second clip begins with a man looking at the camera saying, "punching a hobo in the [genitals]."
It was posted by a user that goes by the name "Mike Jones".
The video shows a young man approach a homeless man, and then punch him in the groin, before running off.
It was posted Tuesday. By Thursday night, it had about 300 views. Police say it was also posted to Rosello's personal Facebook page. It was removed by Thursday evening.
Among those who've seen the video are Miami Beach Police detectives.
"I was going to give you five dollars," the man says as he approaches the sleeping homeless man police have identified as 62-year-old Gary Lee Brown.
Instead of giving him money, the video shows a man using his fist to pound Brown's groin.
The man in the clip runs for about 20 seconds with the camera rolling before getting into a car and driving away.
Authorities say Brown identified Rosello.
If arrested, Rosello could be charged with battery on a homeless person, Miami Beach police Sgt. Bobby Hernandez said. The charge is a 3rd degree felony.
Thursday night, Alexia Echevarria's husband Herman, a former Hialeah City Council President, sent out a brief note saying, "We are not commenting on the unfortunate situation our son is involved. Thank you."
We approached Echaverria's home to ask for a comment. A woman, who appeared to be Echaverria, came to the door but didn't open it. Through the door she told us she had no comment. "At this time at this time I can't say anything. I'm very saddened by the whole situation," she said.
Police tell us Rosello has an attorney and they have been in communication with authorities. We reached out to that attorney, but have not yet received a response.
