1 Arrested, 2 Sought in Miami Beach Pistol Whipping

MIAMI BEACH, FL — One man has been charged with armed robbery and police continue to search for two others in connection with last week's pistol-whipping attack of a 24-year-old woman along Collins Avenue. Nigel Gainey of Miami was arrested after police released surveillance video of the robbery and asked for the public's help in identifying the woman's attacker. The 23-year-old Gainey was also charged with aggravated assault.

The victim, who was identified as Janalyn Martin of North Bay Village, was bleeding "profusely" from the back of her head and crying hysterically by the time help arrived, according to Miami Beach police, who said the attack occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m.. on Tuesday outside 1903 Collins Avenue.

The thief got away with Martin's pink purse along with a loaded .38 caliber revolver and cellphone that were inside.

"The defendant approaches the victim and brandished a firearm from his right side of his pants and pistol whipping the victim multiple times," according to court documents. Police said the woman lost her balance and fell to the ground.

"While the victim was on the floor, the defendant used physical force to rob the victim of her purse which contained personal items," the documents explained. The personal items included a .38 caliber handgun and a cellphone.

Police said Martin was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where she received three staples to close her wounds. She later identified Gainey in a lineup, according to police.

Police said the thief wrestled the purse from Martin by breaking the handle strap. He got into a waiting silver SUV at 19 Street and Collins Avenue.

The two suspects that are still being sought by police were believed to have been in the SUV that served as a getaway car.

Officers briefly detained two men riding in a Nissan Pathfinder but they were subsequently released when a witness could not identify them.

Watch video of the attack below:

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Photo of Nigel Gainey courtesy Miami-Dade County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Surveillance video courtesy Miami Beach Police Department.