MIAMI – A gang member who recently completed a prison sentence was arrested New Year's Day after a home invasion robbery.
Willie Wilcher, 35, also known as "Pee Wee," is now behind bars. Miami and Miami-Dade police came together to announce his arrest Saturday afternoon.
Police said Wilcher is a known member of the John Doe Boys gang who began a new crime spree after recently completing an 18-year prison sentence. He was arrested again on New Year's Day.
"Mr. Wilcher has been arrested for home invasion with a firearm, armed burglary with assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and improper display of a firearm," Miami police chief Rodolfo Llanes said.
Miami-Dade police said Wilcher committed a home invasion robbery Dec. 17, holding a gun up to a couple who had just come home from shopping.
"He forced his way into that house, proceeded to beat down one of the individuals in that house, and demanded money," Miami-Dade police deputy director Juan Perez said.
On Tuesday, Wilcher pulled up to City Market on Northwest 62nd Street and 13th Avenue. In his hand was an AK-47. He was seen and heard on surveillance video threatening customers and the nearby neighbors.
Wilcher on video could be heard saying, "I'mma kill they (expletive) and I got to kill everybody else in there. They talking about they looking for Pee Wee, I'm right here."
Police Saturday night were crediting community members for their bravery. They said without their tips, they never could have built their case.
"Willie Wilcher is a scary dude and he needed to go to jail," Llanes said. "I think we knew that and the community realized that also and the community came forward to help us. Without their help, certainly he wouldn't be in jail today."
Wilcher is being held without bond. Police believe he is connected to more crimes, including robberies and shootings, so they need even more tips from the public.