A South Florida man is facing charges after he was caught stealing hundreds of pounds worth of avocados from a southwest Miami-Dade grove, authorities said.
Edel Perez, 29, is accused of trespassing in an avocado grove on Southwest 217th Avenue and 320th Street early Monday morning, according to an arrest report.
Deputies on patrol spotted a black Mercedes parked near the grove and a man in a black hoodie picking avocados, authorities said.
The man had bags filled with avocados in his possession, and the trunk of the Mercedes was filled with loose avocados, authorities said.
Deputies estimated that Perez picked about 400 pounds of avocados worth about $800. They also noted Perez was able to enter the grove through a cut fence line.
Perez faces charges of trespassing on an agricultural site and third-degree grand theft. His bond was set at $5,000.
Miami-Dade Corrections
Miami-Dade Corrections
Booking photo of Edel Perez