Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco helps police catch suspected drug dealer

Suspect says he is 'drug addict who needs to make a living,' report says

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco helped police catch a suspected drug dealer on Sunday, authorities said.

According to an arrest report, Grieco flagged down an officer about 9 a.m. in the 1400 block of Ocean Drive after seeing a hand-to-hand transaction between Jacobo Chigin, 55, and another person.

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Police said the officer approached Chigin, and he starting riding away on his bicycle, telling the officer, "I'm not stopping."

Police said Chigin headed west on 13th Street from Ocean Drive, and the commissioner followed him on foot.

Other Miami Beach police units responded to the scene and found Chigin heading toward Washington Avenue.

Police said Chigin refused orders to stop his bicycle, but was eventually taken into custody in the 1300 block of Ocean Court.

Police said Chigin dropped the drugs he had on him, which included seven small bags of suspected crack cocaine.

Chigin told officers, "I'm a drug addict, and I got to make a living," the report said.

Chigin was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell and resisting an officer without violence.


About the Author

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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