Early Morning Mayhem in Miami’s Little Havana
An early morning carjacking in Miami erupted into chaos Sunday when three suspects fled police in a stolen vehicle, ultimately crashing into a neighborhood restaurant before being detained, according to the Miami Police Department. Officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 1:52 a.m. reporting an armed carjacking near the intersection of Southwest 17th Avenue and Fifth Street, in the heart of Little Havana. According to police, the suspects forcibly stole a vehicle at gunpoint and fled the scene, setting off a rapid and high-stakes manhunt across the surrounding area.
Crash at Local Business Escalates Search
Just minutes after the carjacking was reported, responding officers located the stolen vehicle just blocks away. But before police could make contact, the driver of the stolen car lost control and crashed into an unoccupied building, which police later confirmed was Mi Casita Restaurant Bar and Grill, a neighborhood staple. The building was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported inside. However, the dramatic crash drew an immediate response from law enforcement, who began canvassing the area for the suspects. According to police, the individuals inside the stolen vehicle fled on foot following the crash. A perimeter was quickly established in the area, and officers from multiple units — including K-9 and aviation support — joined the search. After an extended operation, three individuals were detained in connection with the incident.
Eyewitness Account From Restaurant Owner
The violent crash shocked residents and business owners in the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Among them was Ricardo De La Hoz, owner of Mi Casita Restaurant, who arrived to find his business surrounded by heavily armed officers and crime scene tape. “I was very nervous because first I didn’t know what was going on, and I saw all the police officers with the big guns out,” De La Hoz told NBC6 South Florida in an on-scene interview. He said the impact caused visible damage to the building, and he’s now dealing with both property repairs and the emotional aftermath of having his business caught in the middle of a violent crime. “It was a very scary moment. I saw the car had crashed right in front, and police were everywhere,” he added.
Police Still Investigating, No Charges Yet Filed
As of Monday morning, Miami Police confirmed that three people were in custody, but no formal charges had been filed and the names of the suspects have not yet been released. Investigators are working to determine the exact sequence of events, including who was driving and whether any weapons were recovered at the scene. A police spokesperson told NBC6 that officers are still collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The department has not released information indicating whether the crash or foot pursuit led to additional injuries, but said that no officers or bystanders were harmed.
Pattern of Carjackings Raises Public Safety Concerns
The incident comes amid a broader uptick in violent carjackings in South Florida. According to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), carjacking reports in Miami-Dade County have risen steadily over the past year, with multiple incidents involving firearms and resulting in vehicle crashes. Law enforcement agencies have ramped up community patrols in hot zones, and Miami Police have publicly urged residents to remain vigilant, especially at night and near major intersections.
Little Havana Community Rattled
For residents and business owners in Little Havana — a vibrant, close-knit Miami neighborhood known for its Cuban heritage and nightlife — Sunday’s carjacking and crash are a jarring reminder that violent crime can spill into any corner of the city. “This kind of thing shouldn’t happen here,” said De La Hoz. “I just want people to feel safe when they come to eat at my restaurant. We’ve been here for years — this is our community.”
What’s Next?
The Miami Police Department says the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the carjacking or the suspects is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Tips can be provided anonymously and may be eligible for a reward. In the meantime, the restaurant owner is working with his insurance company to assess the damage, and residents are awaiting updates on whether the suspects will face formal charges.
