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Miami police have arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of vandalizing the Bay of Pigs Monument, a landmark structure that has stood in the Little Havana neighborhood since 1971. Officers responded to the site at 806 SW 13th Ave. on Wednesday after city parks staff discovered damage to the monument, which is owned by the municipality.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators revealed that the vandalization took place Sunday evening when a man was captured on camera damaging the structure. Authorities subsequently identified the suspect as Jean Carlo Rojas, a construction worker with no permanent residence. Police apprehended Rojas while he was standing on a nearby sidewalk as officers were analyzing the footage.
The damage affected what officials describe as “the gray missile” portion of the monument, with repairs estimated at $1,000. Rojas now faces a felony charge of criminal mischief on a memorial or historic property. According to jail records, he was already released on felony bond in a separate case involving charges of battery on law enforcement and resisting an officer.
As of Thursday morning, Rojas remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond pending determination.
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