Crime & Safety
Police Release Video of Miami-Dade Home Invasion
A family of 5, including 3 children were terrorized by two gunmen dressed like police officers.
PALMETTO BAY, FL — Police released video of two armed men posing as police officers as they kicked down a door and forced their way into a Miami-Dade County home last week. Police identified one of the gunman as Usmael Carvajal. The suspects allegedly took cash before fleeing. The home invasion occurred at 3:15 a.m. in the 9800 block of SW 159 Street.
The family was identified as 32-year-old Elizabeth Moore, 37-year-old Omar Alvarez and their three children. The incident occurred near Palmetto Bay but was not within village limits. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Palmetto Bay-Cutler Bay Patch.
Police said the 29-year-old Carvajal should be considered armed and dangerous. He and the other suspect were described as white males, approximately 25 to 30 years of age. One is approximately 170-180 pounds with long hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a bulletproof jacket, gun belt and armed with a black handgun.
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The other was approximately 180-200 pounds. He was wearing a long-sleeve shirt with "POLICE" on the sleeves and also armed with a black handgun. Police did not specify which description applied to Carvajal.
"According to investigators, two males forced their way into the residence through the front door, handcuffed the homeowners and demanded money," said Det. Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "They then forced the homeowners to open their safe, where they took an undetermined sum of U.S. currency and fled eastbound on SW 159 Street."
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Colome said that one of the suspects was wearing a police vest and a badge while the other was wearing a long-sleeve shirt with the words "POLICE" on the sleeves.
"Both subjects were armed with handguns," Colome added. "The two victims, along with their three children were unharmed during the incident."
To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip leads to the arrest of the subjects.
Photo and video courtesy of Miami-Dade Police Department
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