MIAMI — Miami police have arrested a man who they said was the ringleader of a group of people responsible for vandalisms across the city.
According to police, Paul Mario Hoyos, 37, is responsible for a vandalism that defaced the entire façade of the vacant Vitas building at 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, along with a portion of Interstate 395 and other locations.
Police said the Vitas and I-393 incidents occurred in late 2023, but there have also been recent incidents that have caused thousands of dollars in damages.
“Despite the (Vitas) building’s demolition, the tireless work and relentless efforts of Miami Police Department detectives led to the apprehension of the primary offender,” MPD said in a news release Wednesday. “The arrested ringleader is believed to have orchestrated numerous vandalism incidents throughout Miami-Dade County, many of which bared his tag insignia ‘TESOE.’”
Police said Hoyos, who was arrested Tuesday, faces charges for both the Vitas building case and the “high-profile” graffiti vandalism on the I-395 overpass and its supporting structures.
Both locations are in the heart of downtown Miami’s Eastern District, “an area visited by thousands of residents, commuters, and tourists daily,” the news release stated.
“The demolition of the Vitas building and the passage of time did not diminish our resolve,” Police Chief Manny Morales said in a statement. “Our detectives’ unwavering commitment has removed a serial vandal from our streets, and we will continue pursuing all those involved.”
Police confirmed that their investigation generated multiple leads, and Hoyos is one of several suspected offenders.
“The Miami Police Department extends sincere gratitude to the Downtown Development Authority and community leaders for their steadfast support throughout this complex investigation,” the news release stated. “Their partnership has been instrumental in achieving this outcome.”
Hoyos faces multiple charges, including criminal mischief, burglary of an unoccupied structure, trespassing and conducting business without a license. Online jail records show he also faces a domestic violence charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a separate investigation.
As of Wednesday morning, he remained held at the Metrowest Detention Center.
Police said they expect to make more arrests as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about vandalisms in the city of Miami is urged to contact the Miami Police Department or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
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