Man forces victim into Miami Shores home before forcing him to drive to ATM, police say

Police say thief took off in victim's car

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The Miami Shores Police Department is searching for a man who robbed a homeowner this week in a home invasion-style robbery.

The robbery was reported Monday night near Northeast Sixth Avenue and Grand Concourse.

Police said the robber rode up to the victim's garage on a bicycle and forced the victim into his home.

"The victim was actually in their garage. They were actually exercising and working out at the time," Miami Shores police Chief Kevin Lysted said.

Police said the robber demanded money and jewelry from the victim before forcing the victim to drive him to a bank to withdraw money from an ATM.

Police said the victim returned to his home after taking out several hundred dollars for the robber, and the robber fled in the victim's Lexus.

After checking the cars' GPS tracking system, police discovered that the carjacker made a stop at a Citgo gas station on Northwest 103rd Street and 12th Avenue, where he was captured on surveillance cameras.

"The subject drives to a local gas station and exits the vehicle, and then is seen approaching another person that he knows," Lysted said.

Neighbor Manuel Garido said he is on high alert after such a brazen crime.

"It is happening lately. These people are coming over to this area. This (area) used to be pretty safe," Garido said. "I have kids. You know, I have to be worried about that. I have three daughters and a granddaughter and a family. I have to be concerned about it."

The Lexus has since been recovered, but police are still searching for the robber, who is believed to be in his 20s.

Detectives are asking residents in the area who have surveillance video of the robber riding his bicycle between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to contact detectives at 305-759-2468.

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


About the Authors:

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