Knife Scare on Michael B. Jordan's 'Miami Vice '85' Set Ends in Brooklyn Arrest
A night shoot in Brooklyn for Michael B. Jordan's new film 'Miami Vice '85' took a frightening turn on Friday night, when a man allegedly brandished a large knife during a dispute with a member of the production crew. Police arrested the man at the scene, and no one was hurt.
What happened on Friday night
According to the New York Police Department, the incident happened at around 11 p.m. on Friday, 23 October, in the area of McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn, near where the Universal Pictures production was filming night scenes. The New York Post reported that a 23-year-old Brooklyn man, Alex Perez, clashed with a male production staff member during a verbal dispute and allegedly pulled out a knife, leaving the staff member fearing for his safety.
TheWrap, citing police, reported a similar account: the man was arrested after allegedly displaying a knife while arguing with a crew member, and footage obtained by TMZ showed him being escorted from the set area. NBC News, quoted by Parade, reported that the arrest took place just after 11 p.m. near Avenue N and McDonald Avenue, close to Washington Cemetery, while the production was filming nearby.
No injuries, knife recovered
Police said the man was taken into custody without incident and the knife was recovered. No injuries were reported in the incident, according to the police accounts carried by the outlets. Perez was charged with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
TMZ also reported that the arrest was not the man's first encounter with the law, saying he had five prior arrests involving alleged gang-related activity, assault with a firearm and burglary. Those earlier matters are reported allegations, and the new case will now follow its own legal course.
A high-profile production
'Miami Vice '85' is one of the most closely watched films now in production. Michael B. Jordan stars as Ricardo Tubbs opposite Austin Butler as James "Sonny" Crockett, the undercover detective pairing made famous by the 1980s television series. Joseph Kosinski, the director behind 'Top Gun: Maverick', is directing the reboot, which has been filming across New York City and New Jersey.
TheWrap reported that Universal has set the film for theatrical release on 19 May 2028. The ensemble cast also includes Alden Ehrenreich, Camila Morrone, Walton Goggins, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo, Andre Holland, Michael Irby and Whitney Peak, according to TheWrap.
Jordan had been spotted filming night scenes in Brooklyn that same evening. The incident shows how exposed even a major studio production can be when it shoots on real city streets at night.
Production continues. Police have not said whether Jordan or Butler were present at the moment of the confrontation.
Sources: New York Post, 25 October 2026; TheWrap, 25 October 2026; Parade / NBC News, 24 October 2026; JustJared / TMZ, 24 October 2026.