A man accused in a string of jewelry thefts in which he allegedly targeted online sellers has been arrested, Miami Police officials said.
The department's Robbery and Tactical Robbery Unit apprehended David Fontanez-Gutierrez after he reportedly arranged meet-ups under the guise of purchasing jewelry through a popular mobile application before taking off with items without paying, police said Monday.
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Fontanez-Gutierrez, 33, allegedly used a disposable phone number to contact the sellers who advertised jewelry for sale on the app and then arranged in-person meetings to inspect and potentially purchase those items, police said.
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During these in-person meetings, police said Fontanez-Gutierrez would flee the scene with the jewelry, leaving the sellers threatened and empty-handed.
One alleged victim of Fontanez-Gutierrez, Frank Gonzalez, spoke with NBC6.
Gonzalez said he had posted some jewelry for sale on Craigslist for $14,000, and when he was contacted by someone who was interested, sent them the address by text.
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He said he regrets sending the text and inviting the stranger to his home.
"He say 'oh, that’s fine, I like the chain, so I go into my car because I have the money in my car, I have the scale in my car,'" Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said moments later, the suspect fled in his vehicle.
Authorities are urging anyone else who may have been targeted by him to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Miami Police Department’s Robbery Unit at 305-603-6970.
Anonymous tippers can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471- TIPS.
