3 men arrested in robbery of Texas couple on South Beach

Xavier Lopez, 21, also accused of sexually assaulting woman

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Three men were arrested Tuesday in connection with the armed robbery of a couple from Texas who were forced to take off their clothes on South Beach.

According to an arrest report, Xavier Lopez and Rafael Monroy, both 21, approached the couple just before 1 a.m. June 22 while they were walking on the sand near Eighth Street and Ocean Drive.

Miami Beach police said Monroy pointed a gun at the couple and demanded that they hand over all of their property and remove their clothing.

The victims complied with the orders because they were in fear for their lives, and placed all their belongings on the sand.

Police said Lopez picked up the items, which included two cellphones, $300 in cash, two gold rings and their wallets.

According to the report, Lopez then told his friend, "We should have her suck our (expletive)," and began fondling the woman's breasts and touched her vagina.

Police said the woman's partner became enraged and stepped in between the woman and Lopez to prevent him from continuing to touch her.

Police said Lopez and Monroy left and got into a vehicle nearby that was driven by Michael Martinez, 20.

All three men were arrested Tuesday.

"I am so happy they were caught, but they ruined our vacation and now we are traumatized with this whole issue," the woman told Local 10 News Wednesday. 

Lopez faces charges of armed robbery and sexual battery. He also faces a possession of a controlled substance charge because he was found with a clear Ziploc bag containing two Xanax pills when he was arrested, police said.

Monroy faces charges of armed robbery and dealing in stolen property. Police said he was found with the woman's two gold rings and admitted to robbing the couple.

Martinez faces charges of armed robbery and fraudulent use of a credit card. Detectives said he admitted to being the getaway driver and using the couple's credit cards at McDonald's and a gas station in the city of Miami.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.