A brave 17-year-old chased down a man accused of snatching two bracelets from a woman in Brickell, successfully catching and restraining him until police arrived, despite being sprayed with pepper spray by the suspect.
The teenager who intervened is 17, while the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Yağız Doğan, was named by Miami police, as reported by Telemundo 51.
According to the police report, the incident unfolded around 6:00 PM when a woman was withdrawing cash from an ATM on Brickell Avenue. Doğan allegedly approached her, complimented her bracelets, and asked if she wanted to sell them.
The woman removed the jewelry to show Doğan, who then allegedly fled with the items, prompting her to shout "thief!" The teenager then decided to chase after him.
The young man managed to catch and hold Doğan until officers arrived, although the suspect reportedly used pepper spray during the struggle.
Police later found the two bracelets inside the suspect's bag, according to the arrest report.
CBS News Miami noted the Thursday incident took place near Southwest 14th Street, highlighting how the woman's calls for help also rallied neighbors and bystanders.
Xio Fermin, a witness, recounted to the station that she was walking her dog when she heard the woman's cries for help.
A video taken after the chase shows a crowd surrounding Doğan as a bystander holds him on the ground until police arrive.
Fermin particularly praised the courage of the individual who restrained the suspect, noting that he did not give up even after being pepper-sprayed.
"It takes guts to run after someone," the witness remarked, emphasizing the citizen's determination to keep the suspect from escaping.
At the bail hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer revealed that Doğan is also facing charges for a similar incident. Prosecutors allege he was deliberately selecting victims for such thefts.
Court records cited by CBS Miami indicate that Doğan is a suspect in another case from July, where he allegedly agreed to purchase a diamond ring worth $15,000 through Facebook Marketplace but then fled with the item.
This week's theft was reportedly different. Police said there was no prior arrangement: Doğan allegedly approached the woman and offered to buy the two bracelets, which are valued at thousands of dollars.
Police records show he faces two counts of third-degree grand theft and one of assault, with a total bail set at $6,000.
CBS Miami later reported that records showed Doğan posted a $1,100 bond. Upon release, he would be under house arrest and prohibited from contacting the victims of both cases.
This case adds to a string of high-value jewelry thefts recently reported in Miami-Dade. In July, three young men were arrested in Doral for attempting to steal a chain valued at approximately $240,000.
There have also been instances where citizens directly intervened. In March, a man holding a baby tackled a suspected thief escaping from Dolphin Mall after hearing a woman's cries for help.
Brickell Jewelry Theft Incident: Key Questions Answered
Who was the teenager involved in stopping the suspect?
The teenager who bravely chased and helped detain the suspect is a 17-year-old whose quick actions were crucial in recovering the stolen bracelets.
What charges does Yağız Doğan face?
Yağız Doğan faces two counts of third-degree grand theft and one count of assault in connection with the incident in Brickell.
How have other citizens recently intervened in similar incidents?
There have been several instances where citizens have stepped in to prevent thefts, including a man who tackled a suspect at Dolphin Mall in March after hearing cries for help.