Molotov cocktail thrown at home after owner reports vehicle burglaries, neighbors say

Homeowner not at residence when fire sparked

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A Molotov cocktail was thrown on the front porch of a home in southwest Miami-Dade County early Wednesday morning, a day after the homeowner reported multiple vehicle burglaries in his area, neighbors said.

Police said the house fire was reported about 5:30 a.m. at 11400 SW 43rd Lane and is being investigated an an arson case.

The home suffered significant damage to the front of the residence where the Molotov cocktail was thrown.

Miami-Dade police have not released the identity of a suspect in the arson case but arrested Bryan Aneiros, 23, Tuesday after the homeowner, William "Billy" Franco, 51, called 911 to report that a man had been breaking into vehicles in the area.

"There was a vehicle that was pulling out to different residences in the neighborhood and a gentleman (was) bouncing out of the vehicle and going from car to car, removing items from each vehicle and making his way down the street," Franco told Local 10 News. "I was concerned and I called the police."

Neighbors said they are grateful that Franco looks out for their community.

"He's always worried about us, our neighborhood," said neighbor, America Rodriguez.

"He's always (the) neighborhood watch dog," said Sam Parano, whose car was broken into. "He always knows what's going on in our neighborhood. Thank God for Billy."

Police said no one was inside of the home at the time of the fire.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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About the Authors:

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

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.