YouTuber Jack Doherty was arrested early Saturday morning in Miami Beach after allegedly blocking traffic to film a social media video, according to police. Along with obstructing traffic, Doherty, 22, is facing charges for possession of marijuana and a Schedule II amphetamine, as well as resisting an officer without violence.
Miami Beach Police officers were conducting a high-visibility patrol along the 700 block of Washington Avenue — part of the city’s busy Entertainment District — just after 3 a.m. Saturday when they spotted a group stepping into the northbound lanes from the east sidewalk. One man in particular, later identified as Doherty, walked directly into the street and positioned himself in front of oncoming traffic, allegedly trying to draw attention and capture video content.
Police say Doherty refused verbal commands to leave the roadway, despite multiple warnings and efforts from both his group and officers to get him to comply. According to the arrest report, he delayed leaving the street and told the officers, “Once I’m done with this bet.”
He was arrested on the spot for creating what officers described as a significant safety hazard.
While searching him, police say they found a half-pill marked with a “3,” suspected to be amphetamine, and a plastic container with three hand-rolled joints believed to contain around four grams of marijuana. No active warrants appeared during a records check.
Doherty was taken to the Miami Beach Police holding facility and processed. Police also contacted a legal representative for charging guidance.
Later that evening, Doherty posted a video to TikTok showing his release from custody. Holding a property bag and grinning, he told the camera, “I’m a free man, baby.”
Doherty has more than 3.2 million subscribers on YouTube and over 500 million views, according to his talent agency. He’s known for filming stunts and pranks that often test public patience and city laws.
In a statement, the Miami Beach Police Department reaffirmed its stance on safety enforcement, stating, “The Department will continue to take proactive enforcement action against behavior that endangers residents, visitors, or officers and will hold all individuals accountable under the law.”
No additional information was provided by Doherty’s representatives as of Sunday.
The incident touches a growing tension between content creators seeking viral moments and cities trying to maintain public order. In dense nightlife districts like South Beach, where foot traffic, cars, and police presence all converge in tight spaces, even one person stepping out of line can set off larger disruptions.
As Miami Beach continues to attract influencers and tourists chasing spectacle, the city’s rules — and consequences — remain real. For residents already navigating the weekend crowd crush, this was one more reminder that no one, viral or not, gets a pass when it comes to safety on the street.
