Dadeland Mall Robbery: Thieves Used Fireworks As Diversion

MIAMI, FL — Brazen thieves used fireworks as a diversion over the weekend to steal an expensive watch. The incident occurred at Mayors Jewelers inside the Dadeland Mall. Police said some shoppers suffered minor injuries when they tried to flee the area.

"According to investigators, a male walked into Mayors Jewelers and asked [an] employee to show him a valuable timepiece," explained Detective Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "Once the subject had the watch in his possession, an unknown person set off fireworks in the vicinity of the store. The subject used this distraction as an opportunity to flee with the watch."

The incident occurred at 6:33 p.m. on Sunday. The mall is located at 7535 N. Kendall Dr.

Police said the thief was wearing a white hat, white long sleeve shirt and black pants.

Colome said that the injured shoppers were treated by first responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue at the scene and released.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477. Alternatively, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip,” or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano