MIAMI \u2014 An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a burglary at a Central American restaurant in Miami\u2019s Allapattah neighborhood, authorities said.<\/p>\n
Officers with the Miami Police Department said they responded around 8 a.m. to El Nuevo Progrese\u00f1o, located at 1717 NW 17th Ave., after a reported burglary.<\/p>\n
According to an arrest report, an employee told police that two men entered the restaurant just before 8 a.m. and sat at the counter. <\/p>\n
The employee said she was counting the previous night\u2019s sales proceeds in a restricted \u201cemployee-only\u201d area behind the counter when she briefly stepped out the back door, leaving the money unattended.<\/p>\n
When she returned, she saw one of the men, who police identified as 18-year-old Eli San Martin, inside the restricted area, reaching toward the rear counter and grabbing cash. <\/p>\n
Investigators said San Martin jumped over the counter to take the money while an accomplice waited near the door. <\/p>\n
They said after the employee screamed and ran toward the bar area, San Martin jumped back over the counter and fled with the other man.<\/p>\n
Police said the pair ran north on Northwest 17th Avenue around 8:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
Surveillance video captured San Martin seated at the bar before stealing the cash, according to the report. <\/p>\n
Although some of the money fell to the floor, investigators said San Martin ultimately took a separate bag \u201ccontaining additional proceeds.\u201d <\/p>\n
Police said the total amount taken was $1,206.<\/p>\n
Detectives identified San Martin through prior law enforcement encounters and sent his information to officers in the area. <\/p>\n
Police said he was located later that day at a bus stop near Northwest 17th Avenue and 28th Street and was taken into custody without incident. Authorities noted he was wearing the same jacket seen in the surveillance footage.<\/p>\n
They said San Martin was then transported to MPD headquarters and was read his Miranda rights.<\/p>\n
According to the report, San Martin told officers that he did not recall jumping the counter, but admitted taking the money because he is \u201cgoing through some tough times.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jail records show he is facing one count each of burglary of an occupied structure and third-degree grand theft.<\/p>\n
As of Friday, San Martin was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as \u201cto be set.\u201d <\/p>\n
A second arrest has not been confirmed at this time. <\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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