This week, Hialeah authorities released surveillance and body cam footage depicting the moment an off-duty state officer confronted an armed thief at a Publix store after the man attempted to steal nine bottles of over-the-counter medications valued at just under $190.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, around 4:30 p.m. at the supermarket located at 1585 W. 49th St., adjacent to Westland Mall in Hialeah, Florida.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Edwin Soto, whose nationality has not been disclosed, was spotted by an officer from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as he stashed six bottles of Advil and three of Tylenol into a backpack.
The officer, who was not on duty at the time, displayed his badge in an attempt to detain Soto.
Soto exited the store while glancing over his shoulder but returned shortly, brandished a knife, and threatened to kill the officer before fleeing on a bicycle.
Hialeah police apprehended him shortly thereafter as he walked along West 16th Avenue.
In the body cam video, a Hialeah officer directly confronted Soto, saying, "An officer showed you his badge, and you pulled out a knife saying 'I'm going to kill you.'"
Soto claimed that the officer had struck him, but he was the one who ended up arrested.
He was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and petty theft.
Following his arrest, Soto was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bail set at $8,000.
Court records from Miami-Dade County reveal that Soto has a lengthy criminal history, primarily involving drug and theft charges, and he served approximately six months in prison for theft and possession of heroin.
As of the video's release on Monday, Soto remained under house arrest.
This case emerges amid a surge in over-the-counter medication thefts in South Florida, where such items are frequently targeted by thieves due to their high value per unit and ease of resale.
In 2025, Florida's Attorney General announced the dismantling of an organized retail theft ring based in Hialeah, which impacted chains like Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Burlington, and Ulta Beauty across various regions of the state, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions on Over-the-Counter Medication Theft in Florida
What charges did Edwin Soto face following the incident at Publix?
Edwin Soto was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and petty theft.
Why are over-the-counter medications frequently targeted by thieves in South Florida?
Over-the-counter medications are often targeted due to their high value per unit and the ease with which they can be resold.
What was the outcome of the organized retail theft investigation in 2025?
In 2025, an organized retail theft ring operating out of Hialeah was dismantled, affecting major chains and leading to the arrest of seven individuals.