safety
Miami Beach man accused of slashing giant FIFA World Cup inflatable soccer ball
By Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News
· June 16, 2026
· 2 min read
A Miami Beach man was arrested Tuesday after police said he slashed a giant inflatable FIFA World Cup soccer ball displayed in North Beach, causing it to rapidly deflate. Jorden Stephen Perozo, 34, is charged with felony criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, according to a Miami Beac
Key takeaway Investigators said a witness called police on Monday morning after seeing a man on an electric scooter slash a giant inflatable FIFA soccer ball near 71st Street and Rue Vendome.
Why this matters in The Miami
The vandalism of the giant inflatable FIFA World Cup soccer ball in North Beach raises concerns about public safety and the potential for copycat incidents as the city prepares to host a large influx of visitors for the tournament. With 48 of these displays installed throughout Miami Beach, the risk of further damage is a concern for local authorities and businesses. The city's Real-Time Crime Center played a crucial role in tracking down the suspect, demonstrating the effectiveness of Miami Beach's surveillance camera network in responding to incidents. As the FIFA World Cup approaches, bringing with it an expected 1 million visitors to South Florida, the ability of local law enforcement to quickly identify and apprehend individuals who engage in destructive behavior will be essential in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Miami Beach man was arrested Tuesday after police said he slashed a giant inflatable FIFA World Cup soccer ball displayed in North Beach, causing it to rapidly deflate. Jorden Stephen Perozo, 34, is charged with felony criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, according to a Miami Beac
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allyson Castillo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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