MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A man who had recently moved to South Florida from South America is sharing his story, days after, police said, he became the victim of a violent armed robbery just feet from his front door.
According to the victim, the pre-dawn ambush took place along Pennsylvania Avenue, near 10th Street, early Friday morning.
The 20-year-old, who came to the U.S. from Venezuela, said he was on his way to his new job at a nearby restaurant when he encountered two men.
A police report states, “Both subjects produced a black handgun each.”
“[They said], ‘Money, money, money, money,'” said the victim, who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera.
The victim’s older brother spoke on his behalf to 7News, Monday.
“He’s really scared right now,” he said. “He doesn’t speak English. He doesn’t understand what they said, you know? He only understands the word ‘money.'”
Speaking through a translator, the victim described what happened next.
“The other held the gun to the front of my head,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said, the other subject had a gun to his back.
Moments later, the victim said, the second subject struck him in the back of the head with the handgun.
The victim said he was kicked while on the sidewalk, and the robbers grabbed his black wallet, containing multiple credit cards and his Venezuelan driver’s license, as well as his gold iPhone X. The iPhone was later found close by.
The victim said the robbers also took his backpack, which contained shoes and other items, before they ran off.
The 20-year-old said he came from his troubled country less than a month ago in search of a better life and more opportunity.
“After that’s happened, he’s really scared to walk alone at night and go to his work, like walking again,” said his brother. “He’s just really scared of the situation and doesn’t feel secure anymore.”
If you have any information on this robbery or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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