Miami police arrested a man who fled after allegedly battering an officer investigating reports of trespassing in a restricted residential area on the 15th floor of a building in Downtown Miami.
According to the arrest report, on Jan. 6, the man entered a restricted area and refused to identify himself or leave the building located at 55 NE 5th St.
When officers arrived, they asked him to provide his name. He told them his girlfriend lived in the building, prompting an officer to ask him to call her.
The report states that Ejiofor Onyechi, 36 — the subject of the investigation — initially appeared to comply. About five minutes later, however, he stood up and began walking toward the door.
“Due to the defendant’s continued refusal to identify himself, failure to comply with lawful commands, and failure to dispel the officer’s alarm,” the officer requested emergency assistance, the complaint states.
Ejiofor Onyechi, 36.
Police say Onyechi then struck the officer in the neck and pushed him against a wall.
While fleeing, Onyechi ran down a stairwell and set off several fire alarms. Miami police established a perimeter and launched a K-9 search but were unable to locate him.
The following day, Jan. 7, an officer identified Onyechi traveling southbound on NW 2nd Avenue near NW 6th Street, not far from where the initial incident occurred.
Court documents state the Miami Police attempted to conduct a stop while the defendant was operating a standing electric scooter. Onyechi allegedly fled toward NW 5th Street and re-entered the building.
Officers, including tactical units, conducted another search. After nearly an hour, Onyechi was taken into custody.
“The defendant was ultimately located on the 14th floor, hiding inside a storage room,” police said.
Onyechi was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, on the following charges:
Battery on a police officer
Resisting an officer with violence
Loitering or prowling
False fire alarm