A disturbing hate crime has rocked North Miami Beach — and if you have children in local schools, this hits close to home. Parents are shaken, and law enforcement is urging awareness after a man allegedly harassed Jewish students with a whip in broad daylight.
What We Know So Far
- The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near a Jewish school in North Miami Beach, according to local police.
- 24-year-old Jose Alfredo Garrido was caught on surveillance throwing something toward students on the school’s field.
- Minutes later, he returned wearing black gloves and carrying what appeared to be a whip, police said.
- Garrido allegedly approached two students, tried to snatch one of their kippahs, and took an aggressive stance while continuing to harass them.
- A school security guard captured a close-up photo of the suspect and alerted authorities.
- Garrido was arrested at his residence shortly after.
- Officers say he had a blue bag containing suspected cocaine in his pocket at the time of arrest.
- He now faces charges for harassment and intimidation based on religion, as well as possession of cocaine.
- His bond is set at $10,500, per CBS News.
What It Means for North Miami Beach Families
This incident has raised serious concerns about student safety and religious harassment in North Miami Beach.
Officials say this is being treated as a hate crime — a designation that carries emotional weight for the local Jewish community.
“Attacks like these leave deep scars — not just on victims, but on everyone who values religious freedom,” one community member said.
Local schools are increasing security patrols and campus surveillance, and some parents are calling for additional safety measures immediately.
What You Should Watch For or What You Can Do Now
- Talk to your children about reporting suspicious behavior, especially near school grounds.
- Be on alert for anyone loitering near schools, especially if they’re seen returning multiple times.
- North Miami Beach PD urges residents to report tips or related sightings at any time.
If you live in North Miami-Dade County, now’s a good time to review your school’s emergency protocols and ensure contact info is updated.
Stay informed, stay aware — and check out our safety guide for local schools and families.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
