Crime

Middle School Reunion Between Judge And Suspect Gets Teary

A judge and defendant had an emotional reunion after recognizing each other from middle school.

Middle School Reunion Between Judge And Suspect Gets Teary
Brian Turner / CC BY 2.0
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A Miami man accused of burglary and grand theft had an emotional reunion on Thursday with one of his middle school classmates, a girl who grew up to be his presiding judge in bond court. 

"Did you go to Nautilus for middle school?" the judge asked. 

"Oh my goodness...oh my goodness," the defendant said. 

"This was the nicest kid in middle school," the judge said. "He was the best kid in middle school." (Video via 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida)

WTVJ reports police in a Miami suburb spotted Arthur Booth driving a car suspected to be involved in a home burglary. When officers tried to question Booth, they say he sped off, starting a police chase that involved two accidents. 

Instead of expressing scorn, Judge Mindy Glazer encouraged Booth, saying, "What's sad is how old we've become. Good luck to you sir, I hope you are able to come out of this ok and just lead a lawful life."

Booth's bond was set at $43,000. The Miami New Times reports his actual case has been assigned to a different judge.