Man threatens to set himself, 25 officers on fire in Miami-Dade

MIAMI – Police officers arrested a 55-year-old man who allegedly threatened to hurt 25 police officers who responded to reports of his suicide attempts at a remote house in Miami-Dade County’s Redland area.

Julio Velazquez first used carbon monoxide from a BMW’s exhaust pipe to try to kill himself, but his ex-wife said she moved the car and called 911 on Nov. 27, according to police.

Velazquez, 55, then used a red container to pour gasoline on himself and the two-story house he shares with his ex-wife in the area of Southwest 190 Street and 199 Avenue, police said.

Police officers reported Velazquez wrapped a black cloth around his head, held up a lighter, and threatened to set himself, the house, and police officers on fire.

Florida Power & Light workers shut off the power to the home.

A police officer saw Velazquez come out of the house on Wednesday morning and run back inside. His ex-wife was able to persuade him to surrender Wednesday afternoon.

Corrections booked him at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, he appeared in court on Thursday and was released on bond.

Velazquez is facing 25 counts of threatening a law enforcement officer and attempted arson. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Tanya Brinkley is presiding over the case.

Last year, Velazquez was arrested for aggravated assault but the case was dropped. Velazquez’s arraignment hearing in this case is at 9 a.m., on Jan. 5.

Editorial note: Local 10 News doesn’t report on suicide attempts, but the nature of the arrest is the exception to the rule.