Intruders search for drugs, money in mistaken home invasion

Homeowner says intruder told someone on phone, 'There's no dope in here'

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of masked gunmen stormed into a southwest Miami-Dade County home Wednesday morning and robbed a family inside, even though they apparently targeted the wrong house.

Dennis Varela said the intruders barged into his parents' home on Southwest 206th Terrace and began demanding drugs and money.

Varela said the men put a gun to his little brother's head and marched him to Varela's home two doors away.

"That's when I opened the door and they rushed in," Varela said.

Varela said the intruders forced everyone into the bathroom and had him search the house, still looking for drugs and money.

"On the phone, the guy that had me the whole time, shaking me around, he was telling the people on the phone, 'You gave me the wrong house. There's no dope in here,'" Varela told Local 10 News.

Varela said the intruders got away with jewelry, electronics and thousands of dollars' worth of cash.

"I don't want my stuff," Varela said. "I don't want nothing back. I just want justice to be done."

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


About the Author:

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