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A Cuban man was arrested in Miami-Dade after being identified as one of the individuals responsible for a bold robbery in a home in the western part of the county, where jewelry, watches, and other valuables estimated at around $100,000 were stolen.
The detainee was identified as Pedro Luis Díaz-Castro, 52 years old, who, as confirmed by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO), was arrested on Sunday and is facing multiple charges.
Among the charges filed are breaking and entering into an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, property damage, and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A planned robbery in the early morning
According to the arrest report cited by Local 10, the robbery occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on March 14th, at a residence located in the 2200 block of Southwest 153rd Path.
According to the authorities, Díaz-Castro did not act alone.
Together with another unidentified individual, he managed to access the property after “jumping over a security fence outside the residence.”
The modus operandi indicates careful planning.
Once inside, the suspects headed to the electrical panel of the house and disconnected the power, disabling both the alarm and the security cameras.
This step was crucial for carrying out the theft without being detected.
Subsequently, they moved to the back of the property, where they "pried open the door to a guest bathroom with a crowbar" to gain access inside.
The looting: Watches, jewelry, and cash
Once inside the house, the intruders headed to the master bedroom, where they carried out the theft of multiple valuable items.
The report details that they stole "multiple watches, perfumes, jewelry, cash, suitcases, and various other items," with a total value of approximately 100,000 dollars.
After completing the looting, they both left the house through the front door and fled.
The investigation led agents to Díaz-Castro, who was located on Sunday in the 9900 block of Southwest Eighth Street.
According to the report, the suspect made "verbal and written statements that implicated him in the theft", which strengthened the evidence against him.
At the time of his arrest, authorities confiscated a firearm that had been reported stolen in Lee County.
The weapon was subsequently seized at the Hammocks station of the MDSO.
Criminal record and new charges
The report also reveals that Díaz-Castro has a criminal record.
In 2019, he was convicted of a felony, which complicates his current legal situation since he is in possession of a firearm.
Additionally, he faces charges in two other open cases, including armed robbery, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine.
Until Monday afternoon, he remained detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) while awaiting a decision on his bail.
Authorities continue the search for the second individual allegedly involved in the robbery.
The police requested the assistance of the public and asked anyone with relevant information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
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