Three Cuban nationals residing in Miami-Dade were apprehended following an investigation into a series of burglaries targeting businesses in South Florida. The suspects reportedly utilized cargo vans and ski masks to steal electronic equipment, as reported by Local 10.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Reinier Bustillo Gómez, aged 43; José Solano Montelier, aged 37; and Yoandrys Cue, aged 41, all residents of Miami-Dade County.
Coordinated Investigation Reveals Pattern of Thefts
The investigation, encompassing similar thefts since February across various jurisdictions, involved the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office along with the police departments of Doral, Sweetwater, and Medley, as well as the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
One notable incident under scrutiny occurred on August 11 at Universal Freight Logistics in Doral. During this event, three masked individuals arrived in a white Ford Econoline van, forced entry with a crowbar, and adjusted a security camera. Within a mere three minutes, they absconded with iPhones and Samsung phones valued at approximately $200,000, inflicting over $1,000 in damage as noted by the owner.
Surveillance and Arrest
The arrests took place after law enforcement monitored the trio over a span of two and a half hours as they navigated a warehouse district. The suspects' actions were described as "deliberate and methodical," suggesting they were scouting for access points and weaknesses.
Bustillo Gómez was driving a black Dodge Caravan linked to the investigation, whereas Solano Montelier operated a Ford Econoline stolen on August 27 from Global Turbine Services, valued at approximately $58,000.
According to arrest reports, Cue attempted to flee, discarding a pair of gloves and a black ski mask, while Solano Montelier shoved a sergeant before being apprehended. Bustillo Gómez also tried to escape in the Caravan, reportedly striking an officer's leg, trapping a foot beneath one of the front wheels of the vehicle.
Further Evidence and Charges
Inside the stolen van, officers discovered a crowbar and containers resembling those used in other thefts under investigation. Additionally, the vehicle’s license plate had been replaced with one previously reported stolen.
The three men exercised their right to remain silent and were transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. They face charges including grand theft of a vehicle, aggravated assault on an officer, resisting arrest with violence, and possession of burglary tools, among others.
The potential use of signal jammers in these crimes has raised alarms in the area. In November 2024, Miami-Dade authorities issued warnings regarding the use of such devices to disrupt cameras and alarms during home burglaries.
Earlier this March, two other Cuban individuals were detained for stealing over $370,000 in goods from businesses in West Florida, a case linked to more than 150 thefts.
Understanding the Recent Crime Wave in South Florida
What methods did the suspects use in the South Florida burglaries?
The suspects used cargo vans and ski masks to execute their burglaries, often employing crowbars to gain entry and possibly using signal jammers to bypass security systems.
How did law enforcement manage to arrest the suspects?
The arrests were made after law enforcement observed the suspects for over two hours as they scouted a warehouse area, leading to a coordinated arrest operation.
What charges are the detained suspects facing?
The suspects face charges including grand theft of a vehicle, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and possession of burglary tools.