A newly released body camera video has brought to light the intense and controversial encounter between Miami-Dade County Sheriff's deputies and Miami City Fire and Rescue Department Captain, Máximo Vásquez Jr., aged 42. This footage, which emerged this week, captures the unfolding of a verbal and physical confrontation that ended with the seasoned firefighter handcuffed and facing several misdemeanor charges.
The video, acquired by various local media outlets, offers a fresh perspective on an incident that transpired in the early hours of June 2 outside Vásquez's home, located on the 9800 block of Southwest 163rd Street in Miami-Dade. Initially, Vásquez had dialed 911 to report his wife missing, but his plea for help quickly escalated into an arrest marred by insults, shouting, and scuffles.
Escalating Tensions and Outbursts
The footage reveals officers arriving at Vásquez's residence, where they find him visibly agitated. The conversation rapidly deteriorates into a hostile exchange.
"Did I tell you I didn’t want a report?" Vásquez challenges defiantly.
"I asked if you wanted a report," one officer replies.
"And what was my answer?" Vásquez persists.
"You said: ‘Go [expletive] yourself,’” the officer retorts.
The dialogue continues to spiral, punctuated by aggressive remarks from the firefighter: “Are you serious, brother?” and later, with anger: “Man, you guys are [expletive] mentally challenged! I swear to God, man.”
Despite the officers’ efforts to gather information for the missing person report—such as the woman's height, weight, and clothing—Vásquez responded with increasing frustration and verbal attacks. “It’s like dealing with children,” he is heard saying.
When officers eventually hand him a case number card, Vásquez throws it toward them, uttering: “fuck... you, brother.” At this point, the situation quickly escalates, with officers restraining him, bringing him to the ground, and handcuffing him.
“My wife is missing, is this all I get? Screw you, brother,” Vásquez yells as he is restrained.
Charges and Institutional Reaction
Vásquez's arrest led to four misdemeanor charges: assaulting a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence, disorderly conduct, and misuse of the 911 system. The police report noted that the captain "called 911 twice during the night… only to belittle the responding officers."
After his arrest, Vásquez appeared in bond court, where a judge found no probable cause for the charge of resisting an officer. Nonetheless, the other charges remained. Following this, the Miami City Fire and Rescue Department announced the launch of an internal investigation.
“The Miami City Fire and Rescue Department is aware of an incident involving a firefighter with 15 years of experience,” stated an initial release. “Once contact is established, the department will conduct a thorough internal investigation in accordance with our policies and procedures.”
This investigation has since concluded, with fire department officials confirming that Vásquez fully cooperated. He has been reinstated to his regular duties.
A Desperation-Driven Incident
Although Vásquez apologized after his arrest—"Hey, man, I apologize for it"—his behavior did not sit well with the officers present. “No, man, that’s not cool, brother. No, dude, you’re twisted, friend,” one officer is heard responding.
Máximo Vásquez is scheduled for his next court appearance on September 11.
Understanding the Incident: Key Questions
What were the charges against Máximo Vásquez?
Máximo Vásquez faced four misdemeanor charges: assaulting a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence, disorderly conduct, and misuse of the 911 system.
How did the situation escalate during the incident?
The situation escalated when Vásquez became increasingly agitated, leading to a verbal confrontation with officers that culminated in him being restrained and handcuffed.
What was the outcome of the internal investigation by the fire department?
The internal investigation concluded with Vásquez fully cooperating, and he was subsequently reinstated to his duties at the fire department.