Latest news with #MelenekClarke
CBS News
7 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Driver shot by police after officer lands on hood appears in bond court from ICU
A man seen in a viral cell phone video driving near Bayfront Park with a Miami police officer on the hood of his car appeared in bond court Wednesday morning, from a hospital bed in the intensive care unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Melenek Clarke, 21, who remains hospitalized after being shot by police, is facing several charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. Defense: "Lucky to be alive" after shooting "My client was shot in the right arm into the chest cavity. He has a collapsed lung. The bullet exited his back," said Clarke's attorney, Michael Orenstein. "OK, guess he is lucky to be alive," responded Judge Mindy Glazer. Clarke was behind the wheel of the vehicle when, according to the arrest report read by Judge Glazer, the officer attempted to direct him while he was trying to park. "He's trying to park, and the officer is directing traffic, and he didn't stop. The officer tried to stop him — the officer then wound up on the hood, but your client didn't stop," said Judge Glazer. Police say officer was forced to fire Police say the officer was forced to open fire, striking Clarke multiple times. Clarke eventually stopped the vehicle, got out, and surrendered. He was then rushed to the hospital, where he remains under medical care. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the judge denied a state motion for pre-trial detention. "Technically, there is probable cause for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, since it alleges here the officer was struck by the vehicle, and the vehicle is what makes it aggravated on this case," said Glazer. "I am going to deny the state's motion for a pre-trial detention." Glazer did grant Clarke bond. Attorney questions officer's use of force Orenstein told CBS News reporter Marybel Rodriguez that the defense team is still reviewing the case and does not yet have all the details. However, he said that what he saw in the video appeared to be an excessive use of force. "We're still investigating the case," he said. "But from what I saw in the video, it seems to be excessive force from law enforcement and an excessive violent response to an interaction with a citizen." Prior charges in Broward County Records show Clarke also has an open case in Broward County for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.
CBS News
27-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Cellphone video captures Miami officer firing at driver on hood of moving car near Bayfront Park
A dramatic cellphone video posted on social media captures the moment a Miami police officer opened fire on a moving car while clinging to its hood. Seconds later, the driver stops, gets out of the vehicle and surrenders with his hands up. "It was terrible. I don't know where he got shot. He immediately got out of the car when he was shot," said Sherylann Clarke, the driver's sister. Family says shooting was unjustified According to Clarke, she and her brother, 21-year-old Melenek Clarke, were trying to find parking near Bayfront Park on Sunday night to attend a concert when the incident occurred. "We were at the stoplight, we were in the middle lane. He told everyone else to go with his hand, signaling we can go," she said. The City of Miami Police Department stated that the officer was directing traffic at the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 2nd Street when the incident occurred. "We know that a vehicle made physical contact with the officer. As a result of that incident, shots were fired immediately," said Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar of the Miami Police Department. He pulled out his gun to shoot him Sherylann Clarke, who was sitting in the back seat, described the confrontation from her perspective. "The police officer went in front of his car, and he's moving with his car as he's moving, trying to get out of his way. Obviously, they came into contact because he's hovering over my brother's car. Then he pulls out his gun to shoot him," she said. Cellphone video also shows Melenek Clarke lying on the ground with his hands up before being placed in handcuffs. The sound of gunfire caused dozens of nearby concertgoers to flee for cover. "He said that he felt like he was going to die," Sherylann added. Investigation underway Clarke was transported to Ryder Trauma Center and is listed in stable condition. His family is calling for accountability and answers. "I feel he was wrongfully shot multiple times in his vehicle with no weapon," said Sherylann Clarke. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating. Authorities are reviewing the officer's body camera footage and surveillance video from the area. The officer involved was treated for minor injuries at the hospital and has since been released.
