Unusual Theft at Miami Dealership: Police on the Hunt for Suspect
Miami, Florida — In an audacious act that has both shocked and intrigued locals, police are on the lookout for a man who allegedly stole a car during a test drive from Prado Auto Sales, a dealership located on Southwest 8th Street. The incident occurred on September 28, leaving the dealership staff and patrons in disbelief over the brazen theft.
The Setup: A Familiar Face
According to Alejandro Prado, the vice president of Prado Auto Sales, the suspect initially presented himself as a potential buyer with a keen interest in several vehicles. He was greeted warmly by a salesman and engaged in conversation about various car models. Prado described the man as being extremely comfortable, likening his demeanor to that of someone who “was walking around in familiar territory.”
This relaxed approach allowed him to blend in seamlessly among the patrons at the busy dealership, which was bustling with customers on a Saturday. “He looked like he had done this before,” Prado noted, emphasizing how well the suspect deceived both the staff and the clientele.
The Test Drive Takes a Turn
After browsing through options, the suspect chose a sleek white 2019 Infiniti Q50 and requested a test drive. The salesman, oblivious to the thief’s ulterior motives, obliged and set out with the man to take the car on the road. Initially, everything seemed perfectly normal—until it wasn’t.
Approximately four to five blocks into the drive, the suspect suddenly expressed discomfort, claiming he heard an unusual noise coming from the car. In a surprising twist, he requested that the salesman drive the vehicle back to the dealership. This odd request raised eyebrows but did not immediately raise alarms among the staff.
The Great Escape
As the salesman complied, intending to return to the dealership, something unexpected happened. The man, who had just mentioned his concern, began to exit the vehicle. Just as the salesman followed suit to get out, the suspect made a sudden move, jumping back into the driver’s seat. In a flash, he slammed the door and took off, leaving the salesman in stunned silence.
“Door slams behind my salesman, and never see him again,” recounted Prado, encapsulating the disbelief felt by everyone at the dealership. The quick maneuver not only showcased the suspect’s audacity but also demonstrated how effectively he used the ruse of a test drive to execute his plan.
A First for Prado Auto Sales
This theft marks the first of its kind for Prado Auto Sales, a dealership that has successfully operated without incident in the past. Prado emphasized that the suspect took advantage of a hectic Saturday, amidst many customers and employees attending to multiple inquiries. “It was the perfect opportunity,” he lamented, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining vigilance in a busy environment.
Descriptions and Leads
In light of the incident, the Miami-Dade Police have released surveillance footage showing the suspect during his visit to the dealership. He was captured wearing a red shirt and shorts, and investigators have described him as approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 220 pounds. A distinctive scar along his right jawline could aid in recognition efforts.
To expedite the apprehension of the alleged thief, authorities are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. The Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers are encouraging anyone with information to reach out at 305-471-TIPS.
Community Response
As news of the theft spread, the community reacted with a mix of disbelief and concern. Many locals expressed their sympathies for the dealership staff and were quick to share the news on social media in hopes of aiding the police with leads.
In a world where customer service is paramount, such incidents disrupt not only businesses but also the sense of safety within the community. As the investigation unfolds, both staff and patrons of Prado Auto Sales hope for the swift capture of the suspect, restoring the peace of mind that such establishments ideally provide.