Margate Crime Blotter: Man Accused of Dumping Cocaine in Cell Drain After Arrest

Margate Police {Aiden Palmer}

The Margate Police Department responded to various incidents and made multiple arrests between March 3 and March 9, 2026.

Arson / Residential Fire
Police and fire units responded to a residential structure fire on Southwest 51st Avenue. The occupants had evacuated prior to the officers’ arrival. Fire officials indicated the blaze was suspicious, and a fire investigator was requested to the scene. Margate Police Criminal Investigations Division also responded.

Stolen Vehicle
A gray 2021 Honda Civic was reported stolen from a driveway on Northwest 65th Avenue between March 7 at 11 p.m. and March 8 at 10:30 a.m. The victim requested prosecution.

Retail Theft (Delayed)
An unidentified elderly Black male with short gray hair allegedly stole merchandise from Dollar General at 700 South State Road 7. The suspect, who was using a black walker, concealed Tide Pods inside the walker’s storage compartment. The total loss was $19.95. The business is seeking prosecution.

Domestic Battery
Police investigated a domestic battery on James Street after a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation. The victim told officers the suspect pushed her to the ground and threw her during the confrontation, causing visible injuries to her wrists, ankle, and head. The suspect refused to exit the residence and declined several phone calls from officers. A probable cause affidavit for domestic battery was completed.

Domestic Violence Battery
Officers responded to a domestic violence incident on Southwest 11th Place. During a verbal altercation, the suspect allegedly struck the victim with a closed fist on the left side of the face and jaw and then grabbed the victim by the collar, scratching her neck. A probable cause affidavit was completed.

Theft
A theft was reported at 5555 West Atlantic Boulevard. Police are investigating the incident.

Arrests

Retail Theft
Joel Pizarro, 29, was arrested after allegedly taking a bottle of perfume, a pair of shorts and socks from Marshalls, 5461 West Atlantic Boulevard, and leaving without paying. The merchandise totaled $55.61.

DUI
Moises Ventura, 37, was arrested for driving under the influence near Lyons Road and Atlantic Boulevard.

Retail Theft and Trespass
Christopher Grant, 27, was arrested in connection with a retail theft and trespassing incident at 7900 West Sample Road.

Violation of Probation
Less Bogert, 49, was arrested for violation of probation at 5301 Northwest 15th Street.

Animal Cruelty
Jaylynn Casey, 25, was arrested on animal cruelty charges at 600 North State Road 7.

City Ordinance Violation / Resisting Without Violence
Jonathan Briggs, 34, was arrested for public camping or sleeping and resisting an officer without violence at 200 South State Road 7.

Felony Warrant Arrest
Kinga Salamon, 51, was arrested during a traffic stop near 6100 West Atlantic Boulevard on a warrant related to theft of state taxes and failure to remit funds.

Loitering and Prowling
Terrance James Thompson, 31, was arrested after allegedly jumping a fence into a victim’s property on Southwest 61st Avenue. Police said he was unable to dispel the alarm after being confronted by officers.

Petit Theft Warrant / Drug Possession / Destruction of Evidence
Ricardo O’Gorman was arrested during a traffic stop at 800 North State Road 7 after officers discovered an active warrant for petit theft. Police said he was also found in possession of approximately 0.95 grams of crack cocaine. While inside a Margate Police holding cell, officers observed him on camera removing two baggies from his rectal area and emptying the contents into a sink before concealing the bags in a floor drain. One bag containing cocaine residue was recovered.

Narcotics Arrest
Dustin James Dillon, 36, was arrested following a traffic stop at 2000 North State Road 7. Police said he was in possession of fentanyl, cannabis, cocaine, drug paraphernalia and resisted officers without violence.

DUI
Reginaldo Bernardes, 48, was arrested for driving under the influence at State Road 7 and Edwards Road.

Domestic Battery
Carmen Wotton, 39, was arrested following a domestic battery investigation on Southwest 11th Place.

Warrant Arrest
Showen Fernandez Gilbert, 37, was arrested during a traffic stop at 2900 North State Road 7 after officers discovered an active warrant out of Miami-Dade County for grand theft.

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