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The Miami-Dade police are asking for assistance in locating three armed and masked men who broke into the home of Cuban jeweler York Valdés, where they stole valuable items, including jewelry and a luxury vehicle.
The assault occurred at the stroke of midnight on Thursday in a residence located at 284 Street and 130 Avenue in the southwest of Miami-Dade County.
According to the victim's testimony, the attack was sudden and violent.
“I walked backwards to enter my house and one of them came in with a gun in hand. That's all I can tell you; I don’t remember anything else about how they got in or what they did,” she recalled in statements reported by America Tevé.
Once inside the house, the assailants forced the jeweler and his family to gather in one room while they searched the home for money and valuables.
“They told me: sit down, we know who you are. Do you have any money here? Do you have watches? I have a watch over there, take whatever you want,” Valdés recalled.
However, the criminals were demanding more. They insisted that he accompany them to one of their jewelry stores, but he refused.
"I couldn't go to the jewelry store because if I went to the jewelry store and they saw the security cameras, the company would call the police. With my wife pregnant, the police arrive, a shootout..." he said
According to Valdés, in a moment of distraction from the attackers, he managed to escape in search of help, which likely prevented him from being kidnapped.
Among the stolen items, in addition to a watch and designer handbags, the robbers took a white Cadillac SUV, which the police are trying to locate.
The spokesperson for the Miami-Dade sheriff, Joseph Peguero, urged local residents to check their security cameras and report any suspicious activity.
"The description we have is that they are men and had their faces masked. At this moment, we do not know how they arrived, which is why we want to ask the community to call the police," Peguero stated.
York Valdés, owner of York Jewelers, with locations in Hialeah and the southwest of the county, is a popular figure on social media, where he promotes luxurious jewelry and watches.
As a result of the assault, he expressed his intention to strengthen security at his property and reconsider the exposure of his personal life on platforms like TikTok, where he has over 121,000 followers.
"My mistakes: showing off money, claiming I sell the best watches," he said, admitting that he needs to be more discreet.
For several hours, the investigators remained at the residence, reviewing the security cameras both inside the house and in the surrounding area.
"This serves as an experience for me to take it down a notch on social media," Valdés stated, adding that his greatest fear was that something would happen to his family.
The police have assured that they will intensify surveillance in the area.
"The worst wrong I've done in my life is work hard; I've never stolen a cent from anyone," the jeweler concluded.
The authorities reiterated their call to the community to provide any information that may help identify those responsible. Anyone with information about the case can contact Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade at 305-471-8477.
In recent years, the Cuban community in Miami has been the target of several assaults and robberies, particularly in jewelry stores.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Robbery of the Cuban Jeweler York Valdés in Miami-Dade
What happened during the robbery of York Valdés?
During the assault, three armed and masked men burst into York Valdés's home, forcing his family to gather in one room while they took jewelry, a luxury vehicle, and other valuable items. Valdés managed to escape in search of help, which prevented a possible kidnapping.
How is the Miami-Dade police assisting in the investigation?
The Miami-Dade police have requested the public's assistance in identifying the assailants, asking residents to check their security cameras and report any suspicious activity. They have also increased patrols in the area to prevent future incidents.
What security measures is York Valdés considering after the robbery?
York Valdés has expressed his intention to strengthen security on his property and reconsider the exposure of his personal life on social media, especially after sharing content that may have made him a target for criminals.
How has this robbery affected the Cuban community in Miami?
The Cuban community in Miami has been the target of several robberies and assaults, especially in jewelry businesses. This incident highlights a growing concern among residents for their safety, prompting a call to strengthen preventive measures and community collaboration.
How can the public help in the investigation of the theft?
The police have urged anyone with information about the case to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. Community cooperation is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the robbery.
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