Brooklyn Man Arrested for Knife Threat on 'Miami Vice '85' Set

Key points

• Alex Perez, 23, was arrested by the NYPD near Bay Parkway and McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn after allegedly threatening a 43-year-old production staffer with a knife.
• The confrontation began as a verbal dispute, during which Perez allegedly pulled out a large butcher knife, causing the crew member to fear for his safety.
• Perez was charged with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; police recovered the knife and took him into custody without incident.
• The incident occurred on the set of 'Miami Vice '85,' a film reboot starring Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, directed by Joseph Kosinski.
• No injuries were reported, and it remains unclear if the lead actors were present on set during the disturbance.
• Perez has a prior criminal history involving gang-related activity, assault with a firearm, and burglary.

Background

The 'Miami Vice '85' reboot, starring Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, began filming in October 2026. The production involves sets in New York City and New Jersey, including a period-accurate streetscape in Wayne, NJ. This incident is the first major security disruption reported during the production's early stages.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and The Daily Beast emphasize the threat to the film's production and the involvement of high-profile stars, though The Daily Beast notes uncertainty about whether Michael B. Jordan or Austin Butler were on set. TMZ and Yahoo highlight the specific nature of the weapon (a butcher knife) and Perez's prior criminal record. All sources agree on the peaceful arrest and lack of injuries, but TMZ and The Daily Beast report that Perez uttered a racial epithet during his arrest, a detail not mentioned by the New York Post.

Why it matters

The incident highlights security challenges on major film productions and the potential for disruptions to high-budget projects. It also raises questions about the safety of crew members and the effectiveness of security protocols on film sets.

What to watch

Alex Perez will face charges for second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The 'Miami Vice '85' production is expected to continue, with filming ongoing in New York and New Jersey. The film is scheduled for release on May 19, 2028.