SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A cellphone store in Southwest Miami-Dade was subjected to vandalism before the criminal left behind a trail of destruction and took off with thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.
Surveillance footage from the scene captured the moments when a man behind the wheel of a white Nissan pulled into the parking lot of a shopping plaza at around 1:30 a.m., Wednesday.
Moments later, the perpetrator is seen taking off his black shirt and placing it on his head as he approaches a Verizon store, then hurls a piece of cement at the store window.
Shantalle Guzman, the store’s manager, spoke with 7News about the break-in.
“Once I looked at the camera, I could hear the people inside,” she said.
The targeted business, located along the 9900 block of Southwest 40th Street, fell victim to the assailant’s destructive act. The windows shattered, and he was able to gain access to the store.
Guzman said she rushed to the store after she received a call from the alarm system.
The aftermath revealed the extent of the damage, with the window completely smashed, leaving shards of glass scattered on the floor. Rows of cellphone, tablet and speaker displays were stripped bare, highlighting the intent of the criminal.
“It’s a scary situation; they did take quite a few things,” said Guzman. “Inconvenienced now, I got to get the window fixed. You know, I wouldn’t want this to happen to any other business.”
A clear photo of the subject was captured by security cameras and a sign placed on the door stated the store intended to open the store at noon on Wednesday.
Other business owners at the strip mall reacted to the burglary.
“Oh, my God,” said a woman.
“First time in a year and a half, first time here, the problem,” said a man.
Guzman said the thief took off with thousands of dollars worth of items, leaving a huge mess in his wake.
“Hopefully with these videos, somebody could recognize the vehicle or the person and try to help us out, ’cause it’s a scary situation,” said Guzman.
Local authorities are actively investigating the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in identifying and apprehending the subject.
If you have any information on this burglary or the subject’s 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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