Miami Fire Rescue Captain Taken into Custody in Alleged Incident Involving Deputy, Bodycam Shows

Maximo Vasquez Jr., a 42-year-old Miami Fire Rescue captain with 15 years of service, was arrested in early June 2025 after a confrontation with Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputies during a missing person investigation for his wife. Bodycam footage reveals Vasquez becoming visibly angry and shouting at deputies before allegedly throwing a case card at one of the officers, which led to his arrest on multiple misdemeanor charges.

Incident Details

Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a missing person early in the morning. Upon arrival, Vasquez was agitated and yelling as deputies attempted to take a missing person report for his wife. During the exchange, he threw a Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office case card at a deputy and was subsequently taken into custody at the scene. Prior to this incident, Vasquez had called 911 twice that night, reportedly demeaning deputies and demanding they locate his wife.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Vasquez faces four misdemeanor charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer or firefighter, misuse of the 911 system, disorderly conduct, and resisting an officer without violence. While his lawyer challenged the resisting charge citing lack of probable cause, Vasquez was held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center pending further proceedings. The prosecutor agreed to drop the resisting charge, and Vasquez was offered the option of release with pre-trial services or posting a bond of $1,150 for the remaining counts.

Miami Fire Rescue Department Response

Miami Fire Rescue confirmed awareness of the incident involving their veteran firefighter but noted they had not yet made contact with Vasquez. The department stated that once communication is established, they will launch a thorough internal investigation in line with policies and procedures to address the situation comprehensively.

Background and Community Reaction

Vasquez is known for his role within the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and has had an otherwise commendable career. The incident has raised concern about the conduct of public safety officers and the stress they may face during personal crises. The department and community await the results of the internal investigation and legal processes to determine any further actions.

This incident highlights the challenges that can arise when personal and professional lives collide and the importance of accountability and support for first responders.