Miami PD Announces Charges For Giovanni Franchesko Fernandez, The Man Accused Of Torching Police Car During Protest
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Police Department has announced charges for man accused of setting a police car on fire more than a week ago.
Giovanni Franchesko Fernandez, 38, is charged with arson and criminal mischief along with inciting a riot.
"We take it very serious that someone has lashed out that way against us," said Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina, who spoke to CBS4's Ty Russell on Tuesday about the arrest.
The police cruiser was set ablaze near the police headquarters in Downtown Miami.
"This is essentially the arsonist. We had several of our vehicles were burned," the chief said.
The severity of the crime got the FBI involved. Investigators were able to get pictures of a suspect and send it out, offering a reward of $25,000 for an arrest and conviction.
"We are very grateful to the FBI in offering the reward and the assistance from their investigators. Fortunately, we got cooperation from the public," the chief said.
Police said Fernandez was taken to the hospital last week on Thursday for an unrelated medical condition. The FBI got a tip and say they positively identified the suspect.
"It's a statement from the public saying that we are with you and they want to help us and we are grateful," the chief said. "We've been very proactive in making sure that we protect the protesters and give them a vehicle to go out and be heard. The ability to assemble. The ability to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, some people took advantage of that."
The chief says federal charges are also expected.
Anyone with information on suspects who vandalized businesses or vehicles is urged to contact the Miami Police Department at (305) 579-6111 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471- TIPS (8477).
