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Police: Restaurant owner confronts burglar in Miami’s Allapattah area

Surveillance video shows burglary foiled at El Jardin Latino

MIAMI – Two men confronted a 40-year-old burglar on Thursday morning in Miami’s Allapattah area, according to police.

According to the arrest report in the case, Sergio Morales, an intruder, broke in at about 2:50 a.m., at El Jardin Latino, at 3200 NW 17 Ave.

The restaurant owner, who was armed with a gun, and his brother-in-law, armed with a pool cue stick, confronted Morales, according to police.

Authorities said the owner was alerted to the break in thanks to a Ring camera notification.

“I looked inside and saw he was throwing things around and stuffing items in a bag,” said Silvia Batista, the owner’s wife.

She said they invested in the Ring cameras after a burglary back in December, when the family vowed they would never be victims again.

Police officers reported arresting Morales and seizing his black backpack, which had about $14, seven lighters, and the two screwdrivers that police believe he used to remove the door lock.

According to the arrest report, before police officers arrived there was a fistfight that left the restauranteur with injuries to his face, arm, and abdomen.

Morales, who has a history of unoccupied burglaries, is facing burglary and battery charges.


About the Authors
Annaliese Garcia headshot

Annaliese Garcia joined Local 10 News in January 2020. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism. She began her career at Univision. Before arriving at Local 10, she was with NBC2 (WBBH-TV) covering Southwest Florida. She's glad to be back in Miami!

Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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