HOMESTEAD, Fla. – A man and woman have been arrested in connection with an armed carjacking near a Homestead motel this past weekend, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
Homestead police said two victims were entering the Park Motel parking lot near the 600 block of South Krome Avenue just before 5 a.m. Sunday when they saw 36-year-old Camela Latrice Cordy walk around their vehicle, get into the driver’s seat, and take the car keys.
Cordy reportedly called out to several men, one of whom approached the passenger side window and pointed a gun at one of the victims, according to an arrest report. In response, the victim armed himself with a metal pipe and struck the man holding the gun, authorities said.
Police confirmed that one of the men, identified as 31-year-old Juaqine Bryant, attacked the victim, punching and kicking him before both victims fled on foot.
Investigators said officers later located Cordy and Bryant at the Everglades Motel, a few blocks from the scene of the initial incident.
During questioning, detectives said Bryant was read his Miranda rights and gave a statement, claiming he was only trying to break up a fight and was not involved in the carjacking. He also mentioned Cordy but did not elaborate on her role, the report stated.
Cordy, who was also read her Miranda rights after being taken into custody, told detectives she recognized the victim and driver of the vehicle from an unrelated incident involving a “little kid,” police wrote.
Authorities said she admitted sitting in the driver’s seat but denied taking the car keys. Cordy said that while speaking to the passenger, an unknown man punched him and several others attacked the victim.
Jail records show both suspects are facing charges of armed robbery with carjacking.
As of Wednesday, Bryan and Cordy are being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with bonds yet to be set.