HIALEAH, Fla. — Newly-released surveillance and body camera video shows an off-duty state wildlife officer confronting an armed shoplifter at a Hialeah supermarket ― and the suspect’s subsequent arrest, authorities say.

Police said it happened in September at the Publix at 1585 W. 49th St., next to the Westland Mall.

According to police, the off-duty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission law enforcement officer saw Edwin Soto, 43, stuffing items into a book bag.

Authorities said he had stolen “six bottles of Advil and three bottles of Tylenol” worth a little less than $190.

Video shows the FWC officer showing his badge to the suspected crook, wearing a backpack. Police said Soto stormed out of the store while looking over his shoulder.

Just after the officer returns with the bag, so did the suspected shoplifter, who police said threatened to kill the officer while armed with a knife. He then rode off on his bike.

Authorities said they later caught up to Soto.

In body camera footage, a Hialeah police officer is heard telling Soto, “An officer approached you and showed you a badge and you pulled out a knife and you said ‘I’m going to kill you, motherf---er.’”

“Oh, he beat me up,” Soto claimed in response.

But Soto was the one arrested on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and petit theft.

Soto, who has a lengthy criminal history, remained on house arrest as of Tuesday.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.