A man of Cuban descent is currently wanted by law enforcement in connection with a series of thefts from Hialeah liquor stores, one of which involved the theft of three bottles of whiskey worth approximately $500. The incident occurred on October 13, shortly before the 11:00 pm closing time at El Gigante Liquor #2, one of the city's oldest liquor stores. The suspect approached the store counter, seemingly to pay for the liquor, but instead warned the employee not to interfere as he intended to steal the bottles. He then fled the scene.
William Cholo, the manager of the store located at 560 Hialeah Drive, recounted to AmericaTeVé that the suspect entered under the pretense of purchasing alcohol and began wandering around. "As we were about to close, I was busy counting money and tidying up. He grabbed three bottles and whispered, ‘I’m taking these, don’t do anything,’ and I was frozen, unable to act. Suddenly, he dashed out," Cholo shared.
Concerned for his safety, Cholo did not know if the thief was armed and opted to remain calm. After the man left, Cholo saw him get into a waiting car and drive away. The theft and escape were captured by the store's surveillance cameras. According to Cholo, the suspect took two bottles of Macallan whiskey and one Dewar’s 18-year-old, valued collectively at $400 to $500. During a television interview, the manager asserted that the suspect's accent indicated he was Cuban and that he did not conceal his face during the robbery. The suspect wore a cap that read "I'm Chucky."
After the incident, the liquor store owner filed a report with the police. However, a few days later, the same suspect appeared at another liquor store owned by the same proprietor, TLG Liquors at 405 Hialeah Drive, wearing the same cap. This time, he did not steal anything but showed interest in the same brands he had previously taken. He even exchanged a few words with the owner, who recognized him. The owner attempted to follow him, but he was already gone.
Increased Thefts Concern Local Business Owners
"He might have gotten into a car and left. It's bizarre that he wore the same cap. Who does that and makes it so obvious? Thankfully, he didn't show a weapon. It's been less than two weeks since the first theft, suggesting he’s scouting the area for vulnerable spots," remarked Oscar, the concerned liquor store owner.
Oscar and his family have been in the liquor retail business in Miami-Dade County for many years, but they have seen a disturbing rise in thefts recently. In 2024 alone, they have experienced over ten robberies, resulting in significant financial losses. Oscar highlighted that, in each case, the thieves are aware that their actions are recorded by surveillance cameras, and the footage is provided to the authorities.