Canadian Tourist Robbed on Closed Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH — A Canadian tourist was robbed in the overnight hours of Monday into Tuesday as he sat in the sand attempting to use his mobile phone on a closed beach.

Miami Beach police are asking for the public's help in finding four suspects who are believed to have been responsible for the robbery near 14 Street in South Beach. The incident took place at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

"The victim was sitting on the sand using his iPhone when the four subjects approached," according to Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department. "One of the four subjects told the victim he had a gun and then snatched the cell phone. The other subjects began to frisk the victim and took $105 located inside of his passport as well as his wrist watch."

Police released a photo of the four that was captured from surveillance video.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Chunghyo Kim of Vancouver, who was staying at a South Beach hotel at the time of the incident.

Rodriguez told Patch on Thursday that the beaches are closed from midnight to 5 a.m.

"Many of these crimes are crimes of opportunity," he said. "Walking in groups, in well-lit areas is always advantageous. Also, being aware of your surroundings is important. If anyone ever sees anyone or anything suspicious they are encouraged to call police."

Prior to the robbery, the subjects were seen on video walking east on 11 Street and Washington Avenue.

Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305.471.tips.

Photo courtesy of Miami Beach Police Department