Miami Beach Police Arrest Two in Armed Robbery Ring Targeting High-End Watches
“Those who come to Miami Beach with the intent to commit crime will be identified and apprehended.” — Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones
Coordinated Crackdown Across South Florida
Two suspects are behind bars after Miami Beach police say they orchestrated a violent robbery spree targeting nightclub patrons leaving Miami and Miami Beach venues with luxury watches. Authorities identified the suspects as Dwight Gustave, 30, and Adria Banks, 41. According to Miami Beach Police, detectives worked closely with the City of Miami Police Department, as well as the Miami-Dade and Broward Sheriff’s Offices, to track and capture the pair. Gustave was arrested in Miami-Dade County, while Banks was taken into custody in Broward.
Pattern of Violence and Luxury Targets
Investigators say the duo followed unsuspecting victims as they left popular nightclubs. Once the victims reached their destinations, they were ambushed at gunpoint. In one case, a victim was robbed of an Audemars Piguet Skeleton watch worth $60,000. Another victim lost an Audemars Piguet valued at $140,000. Detectives confirmed the suspects are linked to at least three robberies in Miami Beach and one in Miami. Surveillance video obtained by Local 10 News shows two of the violent encounters unfolding, providing key evidence for detectives.
Evidence Seized
During a raid at Gustave’s residence, investigators recovered over $176,000 in stolen property including:
A Rolex Sky-Dweller worth $20,000
An Audemars Piguet Skeleton watch worth $140,000
$16,400 in cash
Detectives also seized clothing and a ski mask that matched items seen in surveillance footage of the robberies.
Repeat Offenders With Long Records
Both suspects have significant criminal histories.
Dwight Gustave was previously arrested by Miami Beach Police in 2020 on robbery charges.
Adria Banks is currently serving probation for high-end jewelry thefts exceeding $500,000.
Banks now faces an extensive list of charges, including burglary, burglary with assault, grand theft, probation violation, drug possession, and driving with a suspended license. Gustave, meanwhile, is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond on multiple armed robbery counts.
Police Chief’s Warning
Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones praised the joint investigation, stressing that South Florida is no safe haven for organized theft targeting nightlife patrons.
“This successful investigation highlights the vigilance and professionalism of our detectives, and we are deeply grateful to the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami-Dade and Broward Sheriff’s Offices for their outstanding partnership,” Jones said.
Call for Victims to Come Forward
Authorities believe Gustave and Banks may be tied to additional crimes. Police are urging anyone who may have been targeted by the suspects to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
South Florida’s Luxury Crime Trend
The arrests underscore a growing problem across Miami’s nightlife scene: organized crews preying on wealthy clubgoers flaunting high-value watches. These cases highlight the risks of South Florida’s luxury lifestyle colliding with targeted, violent crime.
