Authorities in Miami-Dade County have been on the lookout for more than two weeks for a man who set a gas pump ablaze at a southwest Miami-Dade gas station. The man, seen carrying a sign with a political message opposing the U.S. embargo on Cuba, was captured on camera, as shared by Only in Dade on Instagram.
The Incident Caught on Camera
The event occurred in the early hours of August 13, precisely at 2:10 a.m., at the Chevron station located at 8698 SW 40th Street (Bird Road) and 87th Avenue. The suspect arrived with a bag and a cardboard sign that read, according to the source, "Cuban Lives Matter, End the Embargo."
He placed the bag, which contained a bottle, atop pump number two, ignited it, and fled southward along 87th Avenue. Footage also aired by Univision shows the man in a dark hoodie, dark pants, and gloves, with a distinctive white bracelet featuring black stripes on his left arm, a key clue for investigators.
WSVN noted that the suspect briefly fell to the ground during his escape, hinting at possible burn injuries.
High Stakes and Quick Action
Pump number two was directly above the underground fuel tanks of the 24-hour station on a busy stretch of Bird Road. Only in Dade highlighted the swift response of the employees who used fire extinguishers to tackle the blaze before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
"That's not luck; that's two people deciding to run towards what everyone else is fleeing from," praised the source regarding the employees' bravery.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
The case is being handled by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Organized Crime Unit, Economic Crimes Section, under the direction of Agent G. Roa. Fifteen days post-incident, arson detectives have yet to identify the suspect. "Someone in Dade knows that bracelet," remarked Only in Dade.
Authorities urge anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact Crime Stoppers, where tips could lead to a reward of up to $5,000.
Reactions and Political Division on Social Media
The footage sparked intense reactions online, reflecting Miami-Dade's political divide over the embargo. Most condemned the act as reckless and dangerous, with some suggesting hospitals be checked for individuals with recent burn injuries.
"Check nearby hospitals for someone with facial burns, and there you have it," commented one user. Another added, "Definitely not Cuban. Cubans know what's happening in Cuba."
Some commenters linked the incident to the Cuban regime.
Embargo Politics: A Heated Context
The arson incident unfolded amid heightened tensions over Cuban sanctions. In July, the UN voted to hold an urgent debate on the embargo with 136 votes in favor, though this does not alter U.S. policy. On August 20—just a week after the incident—President Donald Trump signed the annual extension of the Trading with the Enemy Act as it applies to Cuba, extending the embargo's legal framework until September 14, 2027.
The Cuban-American community, making up about 36% of Miami-Dade's population, remains deeply divided. Some see the embargo as a legitimate pressure tool against the dictatorship, while others prioritize humanitarian relief and criticize the decades-long strategy that has not led to regime change.
As of the article's publication, no further details on the case are available.
Key Questions on the Gas Station Arson Case
What was the message on the suspect's sign?
The suspect's sign read, "Cuban Lives Matter, End the Embargo."
How did the gas station employees respond to the fire?
The employees quickly used fire extinguishers to put out the fire before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived, preventing any injuries.
What should the public do if they recognize the suspect?
Anyone recognizing the suspect is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, where they may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.