MIAMI – A Miami man was arrested this week in connection with a series of business burglaries throughout the city, authorities announced Wednesday.
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According to an arrest report, Daniel Perez, 54, was arrested Monday on charges of burglary of an occupied structure, grand theft, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief.
City of Miami police said the burglaries date back to January.
“The suspect used the same modus operandi (M.O.) in each case,” the police department said in a news release. “A thorough investigation revealed that the suspect would gain access to businesses by cutting holes in the roofs of various establishments. Once inside, he would steal cigarette products and lottery scratch-off tickets, which he would later attempt to cash out at different locations.”
According to police, surveillance video helped detectives nab Perez, who was taken into custody in the area of Northwest 15th Avenue and 33rd Street.
“During his arrest, officers discovered stolen cigarettes and a large sum of cash, which matched items reported stolen from various businesses,” the news release stated. “This arrest highlights the exceptional teamwork and collaboration between CID (Criminal Investigations Division) and patrol officers, whose dedication and persistence were key in bringing the suspect to justice.”
According to the arrest report, one burglary occurred on Feb. 5 at a business located at 2201 SW 16th St.
In that burglary, police said Perez caused $1,500 in damages to the roof of the business and stole $2,000 worth of cigarettes and Lottery tickets.
Police said the first burglary was reported on Jan. 11, and Perez has targeted stores in the Flagami, Allapattah and Coral Way areas.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Perez was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He is currently being held without bond as he was out on felony bond for another burglary at the time of his arrest.