Armed robber handcuffs Miami jewelry store owner, steals more than $500,000 in merchandise

Police say gunman entered Joyeria Las Americas posing as customer

MIAMI ā€“ A man posing as a customer at a Little Havana jewelry store handcuffed the owner Thursday night and got away with about a half-million dollars' worth of valuables from the store, police said.

The robbery took place at Joyeria Las Americas on Southwest Eighth Street about 6:30 p.m.

Julio Lima was preparing to close for the evening when the man entered the store, pulled out a gun and demanded that the owner fill up a garbage bin with watches, jewelry and other valuables, Miami police spokesman Freddie Cruz said.

"After that, he takes the owner to the rear of the store at gunpoint, handcuffs him and begins to demand more money and merchandise," Cruz said.

The robber got away with more than $500,000 worth of merchandise.

Lima was eventually able to free himself and called 911.

Police are asking for anyone with information about the robbery to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.Ā 


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.