Man dies after tasered by Miami Beach police officer

Israel Hernandez accused of vandalism, running from police

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A man died Tuesday after he was tasered by a police officer for spraying graffiti and running from officers in Miami Beach.

At 5:14 a.m., Miami Beach police officers saw 18-year-old Israel Hernandez spraying graffiti on a building at 71st Street and Collins Avenue, police said. As officers approached, he ran away.

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The officers chased after Hernandez, who kept running despite officers telling him to stop, police said.

An officer tasered Hernandez and he was placed into custody, police said. He then began displaying signs of medical duress.

Hernandez was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

The cause of death has not been determined. 

The Miami Beach Police Department issued a statement, saying: "The City of Miami Beach would like to extend their condolences to the family of Israel Hernandez."

Internal affairs is investigating the incident. A relative of Hernandez offered no comment.

Artwork below by Israel Hernandez.