Islamorada Security Guard Accused of Pointing Gun at Dock Fishermen

Sylvain Nicanor, 49, of Homestead, was arrested after Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies say he drew a 9mm handgun on three men who were fishing from a dock at an Islamorada marina, grabbed one of their fishing rods, and physically blocked the group from reaching their vehicle. Nicanor was on duty as a security guard at the time.

Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a marina on the 81000 block of the Overseas Highway just after 1:10 a.m. on April 4. Investigators found that the three anglers had been fishing from the dock when Nicanor approached them and allegedly leveled the handgun at one of the fishermen. No shots were fired and no physical injuries were reported, but the confrontation escalated to the point where Nicanor seized a rod and positioned himself to prevent the group from leaving.

The fishermen's account was corroborated by video recorded from a vessel docked at the marina. After reviewing that footage and locating the firearm described by witnesses, investigators established probable cause and took Nicanor into custody. He was transported to the Monroe County Jail facing felony charges of aggravated assault, robbery, battery and false imprisonment.

The 81000 block of the Overseas Highway sits in the heart of Upper Matecumbe Key, where waterfront access draws anglers at all hours. Docks at active marinas mix recreational fishermen, charter customers and overnight boat traffic, and the introduction of a handgun into what began as a routine security check-in carried serious potential for broader harm. Authorities noted the incident could have escalated far beyond what occurred.

The case hinged on a combination of direct witness statements and the marina vessel's camera footage, both of which pointed to Nicanor as the aggressor. No statement from Nicanor or his defense appeared in initial accounts of the arrest. The case will move through the circuit court system, where formal arraignment proceedings will be scheduled.