Miami Police Shooting: Driver Appears in Court from Hospital Bed

Miami Man Shot by Police Appears in Court from Hospital Bed A 21-year-old man, Menelek Clarke, appeared in bond court from his hospital bed on May 30th, 2025, facing charges stemming from a shooting incident in Miami, Florida. Clarke was shot by a Miami Police officer on Sunday afternoon at Bayfront Park after allegedly hitting the officer with his car. The incident, captured partially on cell phone video, shows Clarke's car involved in a collision with the officer. Police reports indicate the officer used a whistle and raised his hand to signal Clarke to stop, but Clarke allegedly failed to comply. "It's excessive force. It's an excessive reaction by an officer to an interaction with a citizen," stated Michael Orensetin, Clarke's attorney, in an interview. Orensetin also claimed Clarke got out of the car because he feared for his life. While Clarke is charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding police, and leaving the scene of a crash, the judge questioned probable cause on the latter charges. The investigation is ongoing. This incident highlights the complexities of police interactions and the importance of thorough investigations into such events.