The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in Miami has released video footage of the arrest of Cuban singer Ovidio Crespo, known as Ovi. The FHP disclosed the moment when the rapper was forcibly removed from his car by two officers while a third aimed a firearm at him.
The recording also reveals the incident that led to the arrest: Ovi was driving when he pointed a firearm at another driver. "He was involved in a traffic altercation and pointed a firearm at another driver. He faces multiple felony charges," the agency stated on its X account.
The Cuban artist was located on Wednesday while driving a Lamborghini in Doral, where he resides. Officers found a SIG Sauer pistol on his belt and two generic Percocet pills (a semi-synthetic narcotic pain reliever) in the vehicle.
Details of the Incident
According to the arrest report obtained by Local 10, the incident occurred on Monday shortly after 12:45 pm. The victim, Venezuelan model Giussepe Benignini, was driving on Southwest Eighth Street under Florida's Turnpike in western Miami-Dade when Ovi's McLaren cut him off. Benignini honked his horn, and Ovi responded by pointing a gun out of his window.
The model recorded the entire encounter on his cell phone. He recognized the singer and his car and identified him through Instagram.
On Wednesday, Ovi appeared in court facing charges of possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and public display of a firearm. Judge Mindy Glazer set his bail at $6,500 and issued a restraining order against the Venezuelan model, prohibiting any personal or electronic communication with him.
"I was driving, and I saw a car, a McLaren, cut me off. I honked because he almost hit me, and when I honked, he stopped and pulled out a gun. [...] I thought he was going to shoot me," the victim recounted.
As of late Wednesday morning, Ovi remained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. On the same day of the incident, he shared a post on social media showing himself happily driving his colorful McLaren.
This incident adds to a series of similar events involving the Cuban singer in recent years in the United States, where he has been arrested multiple times. In 2021, he was involved in 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.
What led to Ovi's arrest in Miami?
Ovi was arrested for pointing a firearm at another driver during a traffic altercation.
What charges is Ovi facing?
Ovi faces multiple felony charges, including possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and public display of a firearm.
What was the victim's account of the incident?
The victim, Venezuelan model Giussepe Benignini, stated that Ovi's McLaren cut him off, and when he honked his horn, Ovi pointed a gun at him.
Where is Ovi currently being held?
As of late Wednesday morning, Ovi was held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.