The Cuban singer Ovidio Crespo, better known as Ovi, appeared in court this Wednesday after being arrested the previous day in Miami on charges of possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and displaying a firearm in public. Ovi stood before Judge Mindy Glazer, who set his bail at $6,500 and issued a restraining order against Venezuelan model Giussepe Benignini, whom Ovi allegedly threatened with a gun while driving in Miami.
According to Mario Vallejo, a journalist from Univisión, who reported live on Facebook, the rapper is also prohibited from any personal or electronic communication with the victim. "At this moment, he is facing multiple charges, one for aggravated assault, which I presume stems from him brandishing a firearm from his car in what seems to be a road rage incident. But it goes beyond that since he pointed the firearm at the driver of the other vehicle," Vallejo elaborated. "Additionally, there's the charge of carrying and displaying a firearm illegally," he added.
The singer was arrested on Tuesday, September 17, in Miami after Giussepe Benignini reported that Ovi had pointed a gun at him while driving. "I was driving and saw a car, a McLaren, cut me off. I honked because it almost hit me, and when I honked, he stopped and pulled out a gun. [...] I thought he was going to shoot me," the young model recounted.
The video of the Cuban singer's arrest has been circulating on social media. On the same day of the incident, Ovi posted on his social media, appearing happy in his colorful car.
This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences involving the Cuban singer in recent years in the United States, where he has been arrested multiple times. In 2021, he had an altercation with another singer and also displayed a firearm in public.
FAQs about Ovi's Arrest in Miami
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent arrest of Cuban singer Ovi in Miami, his court appearance, and related incidents.
What charges is Ovi facing?
Ovi is facing charges of possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and displaying a firearm in public.
Who is the judge presiding over Ovi's case?
Judge Mindy Glazer is presiding over Ovi's case.
Who is the victim in this incident?
The victim is Venezuelan model Giussepe Benignini.
Has Ovi been involved in similar incidents before?
Yes, Ovi has been involved in similar incidents, including an altercation in 2021 where he also displayed a firearm in public.