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Police Detain Suspect After Teacher Assaulted Near Miami Beach Jewish School

Prosecutors are reviewing potential hate-crime enhancements.

Overview

  • The attack took place Tuesday on the 500 block of 77th Street as the teacher walked to Lehrman Community Day School.
  • Police say the assailant spat on her, called her a slur, struck her, smashed her phone, and she told detectives she had been wearing a Star of David necklace.
  • Officers deployed park rangers, undercover units, and a drone in a neighborhood search before confirming one person was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon.
  • Some outlets identify the person in custody as 38-year-old Slemons Graves and report charges including strong-arm battery and battery with prejudice, which officials have not uniformly confirmed.
  • Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner condemned the assault and said he is working with the State Attorney’s Office to pursue the fullest charges allowed by law.