A Miami man who was shot by police after allegedly attacking an officer with a Japanese sword made his first court appearance Thursday, appearing before a Miami-Dade County judge from his hospital bed where he continues to recover from his injuries.
Barry Joshua Bienaime, 32, faces attempted murder and drug paraphernalia charges stemming from a June 21 incident that began at Tropical Chevrolet on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami Shores. According to authorities, Bienaime entered the dealership inquiring about purchasing a vehicle while carrying a sheathed katana strapped to his lower back.
The situation quickly escalated when a manager questioned Bienaime about the weapon. Investigators say he immediately assumed a fighting stance and grabbed the sword’s handle. After becoming agitated, he left the business but allegedly used the unsheathed katana to strike the rear windshield of a parked vehicle before walking away along Biscayne Boulevard.
When Miami Shores police officers arrived near Northeast 86th Street, Bienaime allegedly sprinted toward them while gripping the sword with both hands. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, authorities say he raised the katana over his head and charged directly at an officer, who then fired his service weapon, striking Bienaime twice in the abdomen and arm.
A search of his belongings revealed drug paraphernalia including a scale, grinders, rolling papers, and a lighter. Judge Mindy Glazer ordered Bienaime held without bond and prohibited him from returning to the dealership if he is eventually released from custody.
