Robber on Citi Bike targets woman in Miami's posh Brickell area

Victim of brazen robber says security needs to be improved in Brickell

MIAMI – Detectives are searching for a brazen robber who was riding a Citi Bike in Miami's Brickell when he knocked down a woman, according to the Miami Police Department. 

It was about 4:20 a.m., and Mary Yasol was walking by herself northbound on South Miami Avenue under the Brickell City Center pedestrian bridge. The robber pulled on her purse, but she wouldn't let go, so she ended up on the ground. 

Yasol said she pleaded, "Could you just please give me my phone and my car keys, just so I can get home?" The robber returned her purse, but before doing so, he searched through it and took her wallet, according to Officer Kiara Delva, a spokesperson for the department. 

Yasol, who was out with friends before the robbery, said the man took her cash, credit cards and identification. She couldn't believe this happened to her in Brickell, a neighborhood that she had considered safe. 

"I think that security can be improved," Yasol said. "I think that a surveillance camera is not enough."

Detectives released surveillance video on Friday showing a man they believe to be the accused robber. He was using the victim's credit card at a Chevron station in Miami's Little Havana. 

Detectives released the surveillance video to ask the public for help with catching the man. They were asking anyone with information to call the robbery unit at 305-603-6370 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-4877.


About the Authors:

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.