Avraham Gil, the 19-year-old son of an Israeli consular official in Miami, avoided jail time after completing the requirements of a plea agreement stemming from a motorcycle collision with a Sunny Isles Beach police officer.
Gil appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Teresa Pooler on Wednesday after completing traffic school, 100 hours of community service, a prohibition on driving, and a $500 donation to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The case arose from an incident on January 27 in which Sunny Isles Beach Police Lt. Ruben Zamora said he attempted to stop Gil, who was riding a 2018 black Suzuki near Collins Avenue and 174th Street. According to Zamora, Gil had been moving in and out of traffic and did not comply with commands to stop before striking the officer.
Zamora suffered a leg injury, while Gil was taken into custody. Gil was initially charged with battery and resisting an officer, but those charges were later dropped. A charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer remained. The offense could carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
Gil's attorneys challenged aspects of the case, including claims involving immunity and the handling of his arrest. The court rejected the immunity claims, and Gil ultimately reached a plea agreement with state prosecutors.
Before his sentencing, Gil wrote Zamora a letter expressing apologies and describing the incident as a significant wake-up call. He also told the court that he had decided to serve actively in Israel's military.
Gil's attorney, Stephen Millan, told the court that the family's visa was due to expire at the end of the month and that Gil and his family planned to return to Israel following the hearing. Gil's father, Eli Gil, serves as consul for administration at the Israeli Consulate in Miami.
Police records also indicate that Gil had previous encounters with law enforcement. On New Year's Eve, a Miami Shores police officer stopped him for allegedly speeding and moving between lanes. The officer reported that Gil's diplomatic license plate was covered by a sign reading "PLS CHASE." The officer released him after learning about his father's position at the Israeli consulate.
Miami police had also reportedly observed Gil traveling at high speed on Biscayne Boulevard and moving dangerously through traffic. Officers discontinued their pursuit because of safety concerns.
