A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a targeted crime involving the vandalism of a bagel and pizza shop in downtown Miami. Kenneth Guerrero was apprehended after being identified as the suspect seen in security footage spray-painting anti-Israel graffiti at Holy Bagels & Pizzeria on June 16.
The arrest took place at approximately 9:15 a.m. on NW 2nd Avenue, where a police officer recognized Guerrero from the security footage. The footage showed a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a white Foundation Skateboards logo, matching the description of Guerrero. He was charged with felony criminal mischief causing over $1,000 in damage, along with a hate crime enhancement.
Guerrero allegedly spray-painted messages such as “Free Palestine Stop Genocide” on the shop’s entrance and defaced a US and Israeli flag that proclaimed “Stand With Israel” by spray-painting “Free Palestine” on it.
Chief of Police Manuel Morales commented on the arrest, emphasizing the city’s zero-tolerance stance on hate crimes. “The apprehension is a reminder that we will not tolerate such despicable acts of hate and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive place for all,” Morales stated.