Three Cuban men were apprehended on open waters after allegedly stealing a boat docked at the rear of a residence in North Miami. Authorities described the incident as an "unusual theft," as reported by Univision Miami.
The theft occurred on Thursday, October 15, around 10:00 PM, at 12921 Harold Road in the upscale Keystone Point community. This area is known for its single-family homes with private docks and direct access to canals connecting to Biscayne Bay.
Unraveling the Theft
According to the arrest report, the suspects gained access to the property via a canal leading to the home's private dock, from where they took the boat without the owner's permission.
Security cameras on the property captured the entire operation, enabling authorities to quickly identify and apprehend those involved.
Upon being alerted, police located the stolen vessel as it was being towed by another boat at sea, successfully detaining the three men in the water before they could reach land.
Suspects and Their Accounts
The primary suspect, Leandro Darian Crespo, a 41-year-old Cuban national, allegedly orchestrated the operation and enlisted Dennis García and Juan Carlos Sánchez as accomplices to seize the boat.
Crespo provided detectives with an alternative narrative, claiming he had not stolen the boat but was retrieving it because he had sold it in early 2026 and never received the agreed payment.
This explanation conflicted with the documentation presented by the victim. "The victim showed, according to the authorities’ report, the official documents proving ownership of the boat," reported Univision 23 Miami in their coverage.
Crespo is facing a first-degree theft charge, the most severe classification of theft in Florida, applicable when the stolen item's value exceeds $100,000. State law prescribes penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 for this offense. The specific charges against García and Sánchez were not detailed in the available report.
Geographical Vulnerabilities of Keystone Point
Keystone Point ranks among the most exclusive areas in North Miami. Its urban design, featuring canals that provide direct water access to private docks, presents unique vulnerabilities, making it particularly susceptible to this type of crime.
The incident is considered atypical even within the state’s crime landscape. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Florida recorded 891 boat thefts in 2025, representing about 20% of the national total. However, most thefts occur when boats are on trailers on land; stealing a boat from a private dock via water is far less common.
Similar Incidents in South Florida
This is not the first instance of Cuban nationals being arrested for boat theft in the Miami area. In August 2023, a 59-year-old Cuban was arrested after stealing a boat docked in Brickell and leading police on a chase through Biscayne Bay.
In November 2022, another Cuban stole a 40-foot fishing vessel in Marathon, Florida Keys, with the stated intention of returning to the island.
The Univision 23 Miami team made several attempts to enter the Keystone Point community to speak with the victim but was unable to establish contact. The case remains under police investigation.
Key Details Surrounding the North Miami Boat Theft
What led to the arrest of the suspects?
Security footage captured the theft, allowing authorities to identify and quickly apprehend the suspects while they were still at sea.
What charges does Leandro Darian Crespo face?
Leandro Darian Crespo is charged with first-degree theft, a serious offense in Florida, applicable when the stolen item's value exceeds $100,000.
Why is Keystone Point considered vulnerable to such crimes?
The design of Keystone Point, with its canals providing direct water access to private docks, makes it particularly susceptible to crimes involving water-based entry and escape.