MIAMI — An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a burglary at a Central American restaurant in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood, authorities said.
Officers with the Miami Police Department said they responded around 8 a.m. to El Nuevo Progreseño, located at 1717 NW 17th Ave., after a reported burglary.
According to an arrest report, an employee told police that two men entered the restaurant just before 8 a.m. and sat at the counter.
The employee said she was counting the previous night’s sales proceeds in a restricted “employee-only” area behind the counter when she briefly stepped out the back door, leaving the money unattended.
When she returned, she saw one of the men, who police identified as 18-year-old Eli San Martin, inside the restricted area, reaching toward the rear counter and grabbing cash.
Investigators said San Martin jumped over the counter to take the money while an accomplice waited near the door.
They said after the employee screamed and ran toward the bar area, San Martin jumped back over the counter and fled with the other man.
Police said the pair ran north on Northwest 17th Avenue around 8:30 a.m.
Surveillance video captured San Martin seated at the bar before stealing the cash, according to the report.
Although some of the money fell to the floor, investigators said San Martin ultimately took a separate bag “containing additional proceeds.”
Police said the total amount taken was $1,206.
Detectives identified San Martin through prior law enforcement encounters and sent his information to officers in the area.
Police said he was located later that day at a bus stop near Northwest 17th Avenue and 28th Street and was taken into custody without incident. Authorities noted he was wearing the same jacket seen in the surveillance footage.
They said San Martin was then transported to MPD headquarters and was read his Miranda rights.
According to the report, San Martin told officers that he did not recall jumping the counter, but admitted taking the money because he is “going through some tough times.”
Jail records show he is facing one count each of burglary of an occupied structure and third-degree grand theft.
As of Friday, San Martin was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as “to be set.”
A second arrest has not been confirmed at this time.
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