Man Wanted for Murder in Pennsylvania Arrested by Cops Patrolling Beach in Florida

A suspect wanted for murder in Pennsylvania was arrested by police in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on Sunday.

Jacksonville Beach Police noticed a man loitering close to the dunes at 8:20 a.m. as they patrolled the 500 block of Beach Proper South, according to CBS 47.

The officers identified the suspect as 30-year-old Mario Matthew Gatti, and discovered that he was wanted for criminal homicide out of Arnold, Pennsylvania.

Following his arrest, police booked Gatti into the Duval County Jail as a Fugitive from Justice, according to First Coast News.

“He also faces charges for giving false information to law enforcement officers in felony or missing investigation and possession of a new legend drug without a prescription,” the report said.

January 17, WTAE reporter Elena LaQuatra posted a photo of the condo where Gatti allegedly shot and killed a man.

“If you know of Gattis [sic] whereabouts… call Arnold Police!” she wrote.

January 16, the suspect allegedly shot 33-year-old Michael Coover Jr. of Brackenridge multiple times before fleeing the area, according to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

The victim was later pronounced dead at the scene, the report stated.

Sunday on Twitter, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department praised its officers for apprehending Gatti.

This morning while officers patrolled the beach proper they captured a Fugitive from Justice, wanted in Arnold, Pennsylvania for Homicide. Good job! pic.twitter.com/JKRmHFTydw

— COJB Police (@JaxBeachPD) April 19, 2020

Gatti’s arrest came just days after Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced that the city’s beaches would reopen Friday at 5 p.m. for essential activities amid the coronavirus pandemic, Breitbart News reported.

Those activities included “participation in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines like walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets, and surfing.”

In a statement, Curry said opening the beaches was a “pathway back to normal life,” but also urged people to practice social distancing as much as possible.

“Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbors,” the mayor continued.

“We’re going to get back to life. We’ve just got to be patient,” he concluded.