West Miami police have arrested a man accused of helping plan a burglary in which thieves used sledgehammers to steal more than $40,000 worth of luxury streetwear in September.
Authorities said that in the early morning hours of September 14, a group of masked suspects smashed through the front door of a clothing store using construction tools to break in and loot the business.
Store Owner Reacts to Arrest
Store owner Axel Rosario said the burglary devastated his uninsured shop, as the thieves even stole his cash register.
“I feel happy. And ecstatic. Not even a month later. At least one person is caught and I hope they all get caught,” Rosario said.
He said the arrest of 41-year-old Rauniel Quintero brought him a sense of relief.
Detective: Suspect “Heavily Involved”
“He was heavily involved with the planning and the moving of the property,” said Detective Lazaro Jimenez of the West Miami Police Department.
Jimenez explained that the stolen clothing was loaded onto a truck, and information from that vehicle helped lead to Quintero’s arrest. He shared photographs of the confiscated clothing recovered from Quintero’s Miami Gardens home.
“We did recover a substantial amount of property not only from the victim but other potential victims as well,” Jimenez said.
Police Link Case to Other Burglaries
West Miami Police Chief Pete Delgado said investigators believe the same group also targeted other high-end sneaker stores in Kendall in June and Pembroke Pines in May.
The Miami Police Department assisted in the investigation, and officials said nearly $1 million in stolen merchandise has been recovered so far, including 600 cellphones, clothing, and smoke shop items.
“This was an interagency collaborative effort, and we owe thanks to the city of Miami because, as part of the mutual aid agreement, they were instrumental in allowing us to make the arrest of this individual,” Delgado said.
Victim Still Feeling the Impact
Rosario said recovering from the loss will take time. His uninsured store and family have suffered deeply, especially his mother, who is battling cancer.
“A lot of money here was used for mom’s cancer and it did hurt a lot. It’s a big hit,” he said.
Charges Filed, Investigation Continues
Quintero has been charged with burglary, robbery, and dealing in stolen property.
Chief Delgado said he hopes the arrest will lead to the capture of the three other suspects involved in the crime.
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