A well-known Cuban jeweler, York Pérez, found himself at the center of a harrowing robbery when three armed and masked men, dressed entirely in black, broke into his home. The intruders forcibly gathered his family and locked them in a room as they looted the residence. Officer Samantha Choon, speaking to Local 10, detailed the event, "They brought him to the house, gathered the family, and confined them to a room."
According to Choon, "one of the attackers held the victims at gunpoint in the room while the other two ransacked the house." Detective Luis Sierra from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office reported that officers responded to an emergency call at a home on Southwest 284th Street and 130th Avenue in the unincorporated Miami-Dade area.
The thieves made off with a significant haul, including jewelry, designer clothes, luxury handbags, and two watches, as well as the family's white Cadillac. Despite the violent nature of the crime, no injuries were reported. "It was a terrifying ordeal," Choon remarked.
York Pérez, who boasts over 121,000 followers on TikTok, shared a video recounting the traumatic experience and announced the temporary closure of his businesses. "My greatest fear is something happening to my daughter," he expressed on social media. The police assured Pérez that increased security would be stationed near his area. Reflecting on the incident, he noted, "This serves as a lesson for me to tone down my social media presence."
Pérez's comments followed a previous video where he showcased his home, including a life-sized statue of San Lázaro, revered in Afro-Cuban Santería, alongside photos of his pregnant wife and young daughter. "I never imagined living through such an ordeal. I wasn’t carrying a gun either. Thankfully, because it could have ended differently," he admitted in the video.
Frequently using social media to promote his gold jewelry, large rings, and diamond-studded pendants, Pérez may have inadvertently attracted the criminals' attention. In a message to the thieves, he stated, "God bless you!"
Authorities are urging the community to help identify the perpetrators. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
In recent years, the Cuban community in Miami has seen a rise in robberies and assaults, particularly targeting jewelry businesses. Back in August 2023, two criminals stole nearly a million dollars in jewelry and cash from "Ernie & The Cat," a Cuban-American-owned jewelry store in Westchester. The suspects entered through the roof, disabled the alarm, and absconded with two heavy safes.
More recently, in November 2024, a woman was arrested after attempting a robbery at "Mío y Tuyo," another Cuban-owned jewelry store in Miami. Collaborating with police, the store's staff set a trap that led to her capture; she already had a record of similar offenses in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime in Miami's Cuban Community
How did the intruders enter York Pérez's home?
The intruders forcibly entered York Pérez's home and subdued the family, locking them in a room while they looted the house.
Was anyone injured during the robbery?
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the robbery, although it was a frightening experience for the family involved.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
The police have promised increased security in the area where York Pérez resides to prevent similar incidents in the future.