Miami-Dade Home Invasion: One Suspected Gunman Caught

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Police arrested Usmael Carvajal near St. Petersburg, Florida early Thursday morning. He is one of the suspected gunmen, who allegedly posed as police officers, kicked down a door and forced their way into a Miami-Dade County home earlier this month. The home invasion occurred at 3:15 a.m. in the 9800 block of SW 159 Street.

The Victims were 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.

"As investigators continued to follow all leads in the search for Usmael "Mylo" Carvajal, they received notification from the Pinellas Park Police Department that Usmael Carvajal was in custody," explained Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Department, who said that Carvajal was located in an apartment complex in the 4000 block of 76 Avenue North around 10 p.m. Wednesday.

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"With the assistance of Largo Police and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, they were able to take Carvajal into custody at approximately 1:20 a.m.," he said.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating the second suspect, who is described as a white male, approximately 25 to 30 years of age, 180-200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve shirt with "POLICE" on the sleeves. He was armed with a black handgun.

"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."

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, according to Colome.

"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 of Usmael Carvajal and video courtesy of Miami-Dade Police Department