After the worst of the mayhem that took place in Miami Beach over the Memorial Day weekend, what concerned local cops the most? Was it the four innocent bystanders who’d been shot (possibly as a result of the cops’ own wild firing)? Nope. it was the civilian videos of their shooting spree . . .
Narces Benoit was driving down the same street as Raymond Henrisse when all the shooting started. Not content to be trapped in a live fire situation, Narces hopped out of his Ford Explorer and filmed the Miami police officers as they surrounded Henrisse’s car. He continued filming as they opened fire, killing Henrisse.
That’s when the cops noticed Benoit’s documentary efforts. They decided to let him know of their displeasure by pointing a gun at his girlfriend and him as they sat in their car and asking them if they “want to be f***ing papparazzi?” I’m guessing, after the police-launched hail of bullets they’d just witnessed, the upholstery in the Ford might need some touch up work.
Not surprisingly, Benoit and his girlfriend exited the car. That’s when they were forced to the ground, handcuffed and watched as Benoit’s cell phone was crushed under foot by one of Miami Beach’s finest. Evidently not wanting to be accused of lifting the phone, the Droid-stomping officer then tucked the phone in Benoit’s pocket. Benoit and his girlfriend said that the cops crushed a number of other phones, as well.
But Miami Beach police don’t seem to be up on the latest technology. What they didn’t think of is the possibility that the phone’s SIM card, where the video resides, might have survived the phone’s destruction. Later, when Benoit was uncuffed and the cops’ attention was elsewhere, he removed the tiny SIM card and hid it in his mouth.
Benoit’s looking to cash in on the video, reportedly fielding offers from web sites and newspapers. He hasn’t posted it on YouTube yet, but the wait shouldn’t be long, I’d suspect. That will probably happen shortly before his attorney announces the law suit against the City of Miami Beach. I’m guessing he’s got a case.