Miami Beach Police Ask Victims To Come Forward

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A 37-year-old man is accused of robbing and sexually assaulting a couple in South Beach earlier this month and police fear there may be other victims.

"The Miami Beach Police Department is appealing to the public in hopes of encouraging any other possible victims to come forward," the agency's Ernesto Rodriguez said Wednesday.

Pedro M. Tomayo was charged with armed robbery with a weapon and armed sexual battery in connection with the Aug. 5 incident that occurred shortly after 3 a.m. at the 3 Street lifeguard stand.

"The subject provided statements placing himself in the area the morning of the robbery," Rodriguez said. "He admits to stealing other property while denying his involvement in this particular case."

Rodriguez said Tomayo was armed with a knife and is believed to be homeless.

"The subject punched the male victim and forced him down onto the sand," according to Rodriguez. "He proceeded to remove his jewelry and then ordered him to walk towards the ocean. The subject then forced the female victim down onto the sand while pressing the knife on her back."

Rodriguez said Tomayo ordered the man to walk toward the ocean while he sexually assaulted the woman on the beach.

"Using surveillance cameras, detectives were able to track the subject who was on a bicycle moments before and after the crime," Rodriguez said. "The following day, our robbery unit located the subject near 6th Street and Meridian Avenue."

Rodriguez said Tomayo was riding the same bicycle when police found him.

"The subject was not only on the same bicycle, but was also wearing a necklace taken from the victim," Rodriguez said.