Man arrested for grabbing child

A 54-year-old Miami-Beach man was arrested Saturday night for wrapping his arms around a 12-year-old child against his will.

Michael Alan Wank was charged with battery.

There were no reported injuries.

Deputies Wardell Hanna and Nestor Argote were called to the Islander Resort, 82100 Overseas Highway, at 11:30 p.m. regarding a battery. Upon arrival, Deputies were notified multiple witnesses who all stated they saw a man, later identified as Wank, hold a child near the pool. They all stated Wank would not release the child.

Wank was found at the front desk where he was being detained by resort security. Wank remained silent and declined to speak to the Deputy Hanna.

A family member of the child told Deputy Hanna he ordered Wank to release the child, who was screaming for help. Wank did not release the child at first, but did shortly thereafter when confronted by witnesses and ran away from the scene.

The juvenile told Detective Rosary Ponce that he doesn’t know Wank. The child stated Wank approached him and offered to help him look for f family member. Wank reportedly told the child, “I’m a good man,” and then wrapped his arms around the child, holding him for several minutes before being confronted by witnesses.

Wank was taken to jail.

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