A 50-year-old man in Florida has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly charging at people on a beach with a drill and an umbrella while threatening to kill them. Yacov Levi, of unknown residence, faces charges of attempted aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, and misdemeanor criminal mischief. He made his first appearance in Miami-Dade County court on Friday.
The Disturbing Incident
The unsettling incident occurred on Wednesday at a beach behind a condominium complex on Collins Avenue in Surfside, Florida, just north of Miami Beach. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the trouble began when Levi approached the beach chair area and requested to sit down. When he was denied, as he “doesn’t live here,” Levi became irate and allegedly grabbed a beach umbrella, attempting to hit someone with it.
His actions escalated quickly. Authorities claim Levi then grabbed a drill and began charging at a man, shouting, “I’m going to kill you.” Witnesses said Levi was running with the drill in hand, causing panic on the beach. One man managed to flee, but Levi continued his aggressive behavior toward another individual.
Police Response and Arrest
The Surfside Police Department was called to the scene after receiving reports about a man “with a drill charging at people on the beach.” Upon arriving, officers found Levi sitting on a beach chair, holding a drill with a large sand digging bit attached. The encounter was captured on an officer’s body camera and later shared by local independent outlet WPLG.
Officers ordered Levi to raise his hands and get on the ground, drawing their Tasers. Levi complied and was handcuffed and arrested. During the arrest, he allegedly caused approximately $500 in damage when he drilled into a beach chair. Authorities later confirmed the drill was several feet long, with a sizable attachment, making it a potentially dangerous weapon.
Past Arrest and Legal History
Levi’s behavior on the beach is not his first run-in with law enforcement. In 2023, he was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal a jet ski while naked. However, that case was later dropped.
Levi now faces serious charges as a result of the beach incident, and his court proceedings will likely shed more light on his intentions and mental state. Meanwhile, the Surfside community is left shaken by the bizarre and violent incident that unfolded on their beach.
