by Miami, FL – A shocking armed robbery unfolded outside a Panda Express restaurant in Miami, Florida, where a man was violently attacked with a metal bat and had hundreds of dollars stolen directly from his mobile banking app. The suspect, identified as Reiver Jose Sanchez-Molero, 24, has been charged with multiple serious crimes including armed robbery and aggravated battery.
The violent incident occurred on the evening of April 29 around 10:30 p.m. at the Panda Express located at 8750 West Flagler Street. According to an arrest warrant, Sanchez-Molero ambushed the victim as he tried to enter the restaurant, assaulting him repeatedly with a metal bat and subsequently stealing money using the victim’s phone.
Details of the Harrowing Attack Outside Panda Express
The victim was approached suddenly and was chased through the restaurant parking lot by Sanchez-Molero, who was armed with a metal bat. The court document reviewed by Law&Crime reveals that the suspect struck the victim on the head multiple times causing serious injuries.
“Without being provoked, subject Molero began chasing victim through the parking lot, striking him on the head multiple times with the metal bat, causing serious injury.” – Arrest Warrant
After subduing the victim and forcing him to the ground, Sanchez-Molero forcibly took the victim’s cellular phone. Utilizing the Zelle banking application, the assailant transferred $300 from the victim’s account to himself.
- The attack took place at 8750 West Flagler Street in Miami.
- The suspect used a metal bat as the weapon of choice.
- The stolen amount transferred via Zelle was $300.
- Surveillance footage and transaction records corroborate the victim’s statement.
How Authorities Traced the Suspect and Charges Filed
Investigators followed the money trail by tracking the phone number involved in the Zelle transfer. Homeland security partners including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) positively identified Sanchez-Molero, who is believed to be from Hillsboro, Texas.
By late June, law enforcement located the suspect’s vehicle in Texas and arrested him. Sanchez-Molero is currently being held on charges of:
- Armed robbery with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated battery with a weapon causing bodily harm
- False imprisonment with a deadly weapon
Jail records indicate he is also being held for immigration purposes. The victim, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, positively identified Sanchez-Molero as the attacker during the investigation.
Impact of the Crime and Community Concerns
This violent incident has raised concerns among local residents about safety near popular dining establishments. The use of a mobile payment app in conjunction with physical assault underlines the evolving nature of modern crimes.
Read Also: New York Healthcare Provider Warns About Misinformation Causing Patients to Question Tylenol Safety
“This case highlights the need for vigilance when using digital banking applications and staying aware of one’s surroundings, especially at night,” says a local law enforcement official.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved with digital financial transactions coupled with physical crime, prompting calls for enhanced security both online and on the streets.
For more information on this case and ongoing updates, visit Law&Crime.
What Can Be Learned From This Incident?
- Always be cautious when entering or leaving restaurants late at night.
- Use strong security measures on mobile banking applications.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately to authorities.
- Businesses can consider improving lighting and surveillance in parking areas.
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a similar crime involving digital theft or physical assault? Share your thoughts or safety tips in the comments below!
