safety
Miami firefighter accused of trying to punch off-duty police officer at Dolphin Mall, arrest records say
By Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
A city of Miami firefighter was arrested Thursday night after police say he threw a punch at an off-duty police officer at Dolphin Mall. According to arrest documents, the off-duty officer was notified by the mall's security that a male patron later identified as Johnathan Sobenis, 26, being loud, d
Key takeaway According to arrest documents, the off-duty officer was notified by the mall's security that a male patron later identified as Johnathan Sobenis, 26, being loud, disruptive, and causing a disturbance inside an unidentified business.
Why this matters in The Miami
The incident at Dolphin Mall raises concerns about the behavior of public servants in Miami, particularly when they are off-duty. As a firefighter, Johnathan Sobenis is expected to uphold a certain standard of conduct, even when not on the job. The fact that he allegedly became belligerent and tried to punch an off-duty police officer is troubling, especially given his intoxication and refusal to leave the premises. This behavior not only reflects poorly on the Miami Fire Department but also undermines the trust between law enforcement and the community. The city's residents expect their first responders to be role models, and incidents like this can erode that trust. The Miami Fire Department's investigation into Sobenis' actions will be closely watched, and the outcome will likely have implications for his future as a firefighter in the city. The department's response will also be seen as a test of its commitment to accountability and professionalism.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . 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 CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A city of Miami firefighter was arrested Thursday night after police say he threw a punch at an off-duty police officer at Dolphin Mall. According to arrest documents, the off-duty officer was notified by the mall's security that a male patron later identified as Johnathan Sobenis, 26, being loud, d
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami. 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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