Deputies in Miami-Dade County are searching for a suspect accused of setting a stolen Dodge Charger on fire during an illegal street takeover late last month, an incident captured on video that later circulated online.
A Stolen Car at the Center of the Takeover
According to investigators, the incident happened Dec. 28 near Northwest 95th Street and 17th Avenue. Authorities believe the car had been stolen days earlier out of Tamarac and then brought to the takeover, where dozens of people gathered and temporarily shut down the street.
Video evidence shows a white 2017 Dodge Charger with all four doors removed, surrounded by a crowd in the roadway. In the footage, a man is seen igniting the car and setting it ablaze in the middle of the street. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office later released still images from the video, describing the act as arson.
Looking for a Man in a Venom Sweatshirt
Deputies are now trying to identify the person who set the vehicle on fire. The suspect was seen wearing dark-colored clothing, red, white, and black shoes, and a sweatshirt featuring an image of the Spider-Man villain Venom on the back.
Stolen From a Driveway on Christmas Night
The car belonged to a woman identified only as Shanna, who said the Charger Daytona Edition was stolen from her driveway while she slept on Christmas night. Doorbell camera footage from her home showed suspects getting into the vehicle, starting it, and driving off.
Days later, when video of the burning car began circulating online, Shanna recognized it immediately. By that point, the car had already been heavily damaged, with the hood, trunk lid, and doors removed before it was vandalized and set ablaze.
A Reward and an Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say multiple vehicles were involved in the takeover, and the investigation remains ongoing as deputies work to identify everyone responsible. Several people could ultimately face charges, though investigators are focusing particular attention on the individual who committed the arson.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.
All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty.