Sunny Isles Beach, FL — A disturbing case of child abuse has sent shockwaves through the Sunny Isles Beach community after a 2-year-old girl was violently assaulted by her father, with the entire incident captured on surveillance video. The child’s father, 40-year-old Andrei Sevastianov, now faces multiple felony charges and is being held without bond following a court appearance on Wednesday.
Harrowing Footage Sparks Swift Police Action
The investigation began after an anonymous tipster contacted authorities and urged them to review security footage from the La Perla condominium located at 16699 Collins Avenue. What officers found, according to police, was both “incomprehensible” and deeply disturbing.
Surveillance cameras captured Sevastianov subjecting his toddler daughter to a prolonged episode of physical abuse, both at the building’s poolside area and later inside the condominium complex. The footage shows the child being yanked, kicked, and dragged in ways authorities described as “beyond cruel.”
“Frankly, it’s something that makes your stomach turn,” said Sgt. Brian Schnell of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. “To see this happening to a defenseless child — and from the very person meant to protect her — is deeply upsetting.”
Detailed Account of the Assault
According to police, the abuse began outdoors near the pool. The footage allegedly shows Sevastianov pulling the child’s hair and wrapping a towel around her neck, tightening it as she struggles. At one point, he reportedly grabs her by the hair and slams her head into his shoulder with force.
The situation escalated further as they moved indoors. In the building’s lobby, Sevastianov is seen dropping the girl from chest height, kneeing her as she falls to the floor, and then kicking her in the head. He then drags her toward the elevator by her hair. When the toddler collapses, he picks her up and violently shakes her, causing her head to snap back and forth multiple times.
While waiting for the elevator, Sevastianov wraps the child tightly in a towel and slams her against a wall using his back. Moments later, he spins her around and lets her fall to the floor. After this, the pair exit camera view.
Emergency Response and Arrest
The little girl was quickly transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for medical evaluation. Due to the severity of the assault, the hospital has not released details about her condition, citing the ongoing investigation.
Police arrested Sevastianov shortly afterward. Authorities say he resisted arrest with violence and had to be subdued by officers at the scene. During initial questioning, he reportedly admitted to some of the physical contact but gave no explanation other than stating the child was “throwing a tantrum” and not listening.
“This was not discipline. This was not a moment of lost temper. This was sustained, violent abuse,” said Sgt. Schnell. “There’s no justification for what we saw.”
Court Appearance and No-Contact Order
Sevastianov appeared before Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer on Wednesday morning. Speaking through a Russian interpreter, he told the court that he and his family were tourists visiting from abroad and had a return flight scheduled for June 12.
Judge Glazer found probable cause for the charges and denied bond. She also issued a strict no-contact order between Sevastianov and his daughter and granted him a one-time supervised visit to the condominium to collect personal belongings.
“This court cannot ignore the serious nature of the evidence presented,” Glazer stated. “There is clear concern for the safety of the child.”
Sevastianov’s next court hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Community Left Reeling
The case has left residents of the La Perla condominium — and the broader Sunny Isles Beach community — shaken. Police confirmed that there had been no prior calls to law enforcement regarding the family, which made the revelation even more jarring for neighbors.
“I’ve seen this man with his daughter before, just walking down the hallway,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “You never think something like this is happening behind closed doors — or in broad daylight.”
Many locals expressed outrage and disbelief that such acts were committed in public view. Several neighbors have called for increased monitoring and family welfare checks in the building, especially for visiting families.
Child Protection and Legal Consequences
Child advocacy groups are closely monitoring the case, stressing the importance of early intervention and public vigilance. “This is a horrific reminder that abuse doesn’t always happen in secrecy,” said Maria Gutierrez, a spokesperson for Florida Children First, a nonprofit child advocacy group. “The community has a vital role in protecting vulnerable children.”
Sevastianov is currently facing charges of aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm, child abuse, and resisting arrest with violence. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under Florida’s strict child protection laws.
Authorities Praise Anonymous Tip
Police credited the anonymous tipster who brought the situation to their attention, noting that the abuse might have continued — or worsened — without intervention.
“Thanks to one person speaking up, a child was removed from a dangerous situation,” said Schnell. “We hope this gives people the courage to act if they suspect abuse.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. The case remains under active investigation.
What Happens Next
As legal proceedings continue, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the child. Authorities have not disclosed whether other family members are involved or if the child will remain in protective custody.
“The healing process — both physical and emotional — will take time,” said Gutierrez. “But the first step is removing her from harm and ensuring she’s surrounded by people who care.”
The incident stands as a stark and painful reminder of the importance of vigilance, both in private and public spaces. For now, one child is safe, and her alleged abuser faces the full weight of the justice system.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. All calls are confidential.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
