A confrontation on a Surfside beach escalated into a felony arrest this week after a man allegedly threatened beachgoers with a drill and umbrella, according to authorities.
SURFSIDE, FL – A 50-year-old man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he charged at people on a beach behind a condominium complex on Collins Avenue, allegedly wielding a drill and shouting threats. Yacov Levi made his first appearance in Miami-Dade County court on Friday following his arrest.
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident began Wednesday when Levi “asked to sit on a beach chair” but was refused because “he doesn’t live here.” Investigators said he then “became irate,” grabbing a beach umbrella and attempting to strike someone before escalating further.
Allegations of threats and pursuit
Authorities said Levi then “grabbed a drill and charged” at a man while declaring, “I’m going to kill you.” One individual fled, and Levi allegedly pursued another person as multiple witnesses observed him “running with the drill,” the affidavit states.
Police were called to reports of a man “with a drill charging at people on the beach.” When officers arrived, they found Levi seated on a beach chair holding a drill equipped “with a large sand digging bit attached to it.”
Body camera footage released by WPLG shows officers confronting Levi, raising Tasers and ordering him to comply. He was taken into custody without further reported injuries.
Charges and prior incident
Before his arrest, Levi allegedly drilled into a beach chair, causing approximately $500 in damage, according to investigators. He now faces charges of attempted aggravated battery and battery on a law enforcement officer, both felonies, along with a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.
Officers noted the drill was several feet long with its attachment. Local reports indicate Levi had a prior encounter with police at the same beach in 2023, when he was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal a jet ski while naked. That case was later dropped.
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