Introduction to the Case
Miami Beach Police have arrested a man accused of battery and other crimes. The suspect, Leon Gordon, allegedly committed the crime on Ninth Street and Washington on March 1. According to the police report, Gordon entered an unlocked parked car where a young woman was sleeping in the back seat. The woman had been at a Miami Beach nightclub with friends when she got sick and returned to the car while her friends re-entered the club.
The Alleged Attack
Police said Gordon entered the vehicle and committed a graphic act of assault. The attack ended when the woman screamed at Gordon, saying "I don’t know you," and he replied "I know you don’t" as he ran out of the vehicle in an unknown direction. The details of the alleged attack are too graphic to describe.
Arrest and Investigation
Gordon was arrested at a bus stop near the Miami Beach Police Department three days after the alleged crime. The police are using surveillance video to conduct their investigation, with the help of a local business owner, Mitch Novick. Novick’s hotel, the Sherbrooke Hotel, has cameras that captured Gordon on the hotel steps.
Role of Surveillance Video
Video obtained exclusively by 7News shows Gordon on Novick’s hotel steps. Novick said, "Of all the places to go, he makes his way to my porch. It wouldn’t be the first time." The police said the victim ran to get help at a local 7-Eleven about half an hour before Gordon was seen on the steps of the Sherbrooke Hotel. Novick has helped police with their investigations in the past, including an alleged sex assault of a tourist in 2021 and a police takedown of two people accused of rape and murder of a spring break tourist.
Charges and Evidence
Gordon remains behind bars, facing charges of burglary with assault or battery and indecent exposure. Officers said the evidence does not substantiate a charge of sexual battery. Novick’s footage is being considered as evidence in the case.
Conclusion
The use of surveillance video has been instrumental in the investigation of the alleged crime. The help of local business owners like Mitch Novick has been invaluable to the police in solving crimes in the area. The case is a reminder of the importance of community involvement in keeping neighborhoods safe.
FAQs
- Q: What is the name of the suspect arrested for battery and other crimes?
A: The suspect’s name is Leon Gordon. - Q: Where did the alleged crime occur?
A: The alleged crime occurred on Ninth Street and Washington in Miami Beach. - Q: What role did surveillance video play in the investigation?
A: Surveillance video from the Sherbrooke Hotel helped the police identify and arrest the suspect. - Q: What charges is the suspect facing?
A: The suspect is facing charges of burglary with assault or battery and indecent exposure. - Q: Is the suspect still in custody?
A: Yes, the suspect remains behind bars.
