Authorities in Miami-Dade are calling on the public to help track down three armed, masked men who stormed into the home of Cuban jeweler York Valdés, making off with valuable items, including jewels and a luxury vehicle. The brazen robbery took place around midnight on Thursday at a residence located on Southwest 284th Street and 130th Avenue in Miami-Dade County.
According to Valdés, the attack was both unexpected and aggressive. "I was walking backwards to enter my house, and one of them came in with a gun in hand. That's all I remember about how they got in, or how they did it," he recounted in an interview with America Tevé.
Once inside, the assailants forced Valdés and his family into a room while they ransacked the house in search of cash and valuables. "They told me: sit down, we know who you are. Do you have money here? Do you have watches? I have a watch over there, take whatever you want," Valdés recalled.
However, the robbers demanded even more. They insisted Valdés accompany them to one of his jewelry stores, but he refused. "I couldn't go to the jewelry store because if I did, once the security cameras picked it up, the company would call the police. With my pregnant wife, police arriving, a shootout..." he explained. In a moment of negligence by the attackers, Valdés managed to escape to seek help, likely preventing his abduction.
Among the stolen goods, beyond a designer watch and handbags, the thieves made off with a white Cadillac SUV, which law enforcement is currently attempting to locate. Joseph Peguero, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, urged residents in the area to check their security footage and report any suspicious activity. "We know they were men with masked faces. We don't know how they arrived, so we're asking the community to contact the police," Peguero stated.
York Valdés, the owner of York Jewelers, with locations in Hialeah and Southwest Miami-Dade, is a well-known figure on social media, where he showcases luxury watches and jewelry. Following the robbery, he expressed his plans to bolster security at his property and reconsider how much he shares about his personal life on platforms like TikTok, where he boasts over 121,000 followers. "My mistakes: showing money, selling the best watches," he admitted, acknowledging the need for greater discretion.
For several hours, investigators scrutinized the property's security cameras and those in the vicinity. "This serves as a lesson for me to tone down my social media presence," Valdés commented, emphasizing that his primary concern was for his family's safety.
The police have promised to heighten surveillance in the area. "The worst crime I've ever committed is working hard; I've never stolen a dime from anyone," Valdés concluded.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the identification of those responsible. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. In recent years, the Cuban community in Miami has been targeted by several robberies, particularly in jewelry businesses.
Details on the Jewelry Heist in Miami
What items were stolen in the robbery?
The robbers took valuable jewelry, a designer watch, handbags, and a white Cadillac SUV.
How did York Valdés avoid being abducted?
Valdés managed to escape during a moment of negligence by the attackers, preventing a potential kidnapping.
What actions is the Miami-Dade Police Department taking?
The police are urging local residents to review their security footage and report any suspicious activities, as well as intensifying surveillance in the area.