MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Surveillance video captured the moments when George Zubigaray, the owner of Gulf Liquors, confronted a repeat robber stealing expensive alcohol from his store.
The video shows George Zubigaray, who is wearing a red shirt during the confrontation, hitting the thief, with what appears to be a stick to get him out of the store. But this isn’t the first time something like this has happened at the family owned store on 1681 Alton Road.
“When you come and steal there are consequences. My dad maintains all of us,” said George Zubigaray Jr., the owner’s son.
The owner’s son said police were called to the scene. He said the family works hard for a living.
“He got beat bad. He was trying to play slick and he disrespected us,” said George Zubigaray Jr.
Miami Beach police says it’s never a good idea to take the law into your own hands, but the family says they have had enough.
“Calling the cops doesn’t always work out. You have to take matters into your own hands . Unfortunately that’s how things are,” said George Zubigaray Jr.
Last November a man named Joseph Booker took off his clothes in front of the store. Witnesses said he was naked and threatened to kill everyone, and shouted, “Get on the ground, on the ground!”
Booker was later arrested.
Surveillance video from another incident last year shows a man trying to steal a bottle of liquor, when he pushed the owner’s wife. George Zubigaray broke a bottle over his head.
“It takes too long for the cops to get here. They come and steal what are you going to do. You’re going to hold them down?” said George Zubigaray Jr.