Surveillance video captured a white Tesla crashing into a palm tree and outdoor patio at Norman's Tavern in Miami Beach on Sunday morning. Three men inside the vehicle fled the scene, with two later detained by police. No injuries were reported, and the restaurant was closed at the time.
The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. on Sunday outside Norman's Tavern at 6770 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Security footage showed the white Tesla, a rental vehicle, speeding down the street before plowing through a portion of the restaurant's outdoor patio and slamming into a palm tree. The impact sent debris flying and knocked over the tree, damaging the seating area.
At least three men exited the car, appearing shocked as they held their heads and removed items from the vehicle. Bystanders captured the aftermath on video, showing the men grabbing bags and jumping over a nearby fence to flee. One bystander recounted, "I heard a car going fast and I heard some sirens too and then there was a loud crash."
Miami Beach Police arrived to find the three occupants had fled. The men were identified as tourists from New York heading to the airport. Two were detained shortly after, while the third escaped; police continue searching for him as of Monday. No drugs or weapons were found on the suspects, and no one was injured. The two detained individuals were released without charges.
Julieta Lucena of Norman's Tavern expressed relief, stating, "We were worried but I mean thank God we weren’t open, so there was no one here so we were glad for that." The restaurant was not yet open for business. Investigators have not determined potential charges, and the case remains under review.