Video shows arrest of suspect accused of rape on Florida Memorial University campus
Newly released dashcam and surveillance video obtained exclusively by CBS News Miami shows Opa-locka police apprehending a suspect accused of sexually assaulting a student on the campus of Florida Memorial University over the weekend.
Police say the suspect, identified as Steven Rivers, was arrested Tuesday after investigators linked him to an alleged sexual battery that occurred Sunday on the FMU campus. According to police, surveillance video shows Rivers jumping over a fence to gain access to the university, where he allegedly approached the victim and sexually assaulted her.
Dashcam video showed officers actively searching the area before spotting Rivers. In the video, officers can be heard giving repeated commands as they take him into custody.
"Rivers, talk to me for a second. You will be OK," one officer says. Moments later, officers are heard saying, "Get your hands out of your pocket. You will be OK. Stop right there. Show me your hands," and "Get on the ground for us. You will be OK. Put your hands out."
In bodycam video obtained by CBS News Miami, Rivers is seen wearing a white snow cap and surrounded by officers as one of them says, "They said his name was Steven Rivers."
"We'll detain him until the lead detective gets there," said another officer.
Another bodycam video shows Rivers being taken to a police car.
After his arrest, Rivers was turned over to Miami Gardens Police Department.
During transport to jail, video showed Rivers being pushed against a wall by officers. An arrest report stated Rivers attempted to grab the buttocks of a detective during that interaction, leading to an additional charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.
During bond court, a prosecutor told the judge: "The state is requesting a bond of $500,000 on the sex battery charge and believes he's an extreme danger to the community."
Mindy Glazer, a Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge, agreed, setting Rivers' bond at $500,000 for the sexual battery charge.
"He's a great danger to the community and women in Miami-Dade County given his criminal history," Glazer said in court.
The judge also ordered Rivers to have no contact with the victim and to stay away from FMU.
"You are not allowed to go to the school, and you must stay off school property," Glazer said.
FMU rape suspect criminal history detailed in court
In court, prosecutors detailed Rivers' criminal history, saying he was released from prison on Dec. 11, 2025, after serving nearly two years in state prison for lewd and lascivious exhibition. Court testimony also revealed Rivers has prior local convictions for aggravated stalking and robbery by sudden snatching.
Miami Gardens police said DNA evidence tied Rivers to the alleged sexual battery and investigators believe there may be additional victims.
In a statement, Opa-locka Police Department said the case highlights the collaborative efforts between agencies and their "continued commitment to public safety."
Rivers' total bond for all charges was set at more than $510,000. The investigation remains ongoing.