Latest news with #BrianLopez
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Residents react after armed home invasion at Flamingo Towers in Miami Beach, suspect held without bond
Residents of Flamingo Towers in Miami Beach are expressing fear and frustration following a violent armed home invasion earlier this week. Miami Beach police have arrested 31-year-old Brian Lopez of Hialeah, who is now facing multiple felony charges and is being held without bond. Terrifying attack inside condo Brian Lopez Miami-Dade Corrections According to police, officers were dispatched to Flamingo Towers at 1508 Bay Road on Tuesday, June 17, following reports of an armed robbery. A woman told officers she was headed to the trash chute when a man with a gun forced her back to her unit. Police identified the suspect as Lopez. Once inside the apartment, he allegedly threatened the woman, a resident identified in the arrest report as J.K., and a guest. "Initially, J.K. resisted the defendant's commands and refused to get on the ground. The defendant then pistol whipped J.K. by striking him on the top of his head, causing a minor laceration," the arrest report stated. Investigators said Lopez forced J.K. to transfer $1,500 via Zelle and took one of their cellphones. He then ordered the victims to take him to their vehicle. As they reached the lobby, J.K. screamed for help and Lopez fled, according to police. He was arrested shortly after. Earlier burglary in the same building During the investigation, officers discovered that Lopez had allegedly committed an armed burglary earlier that same day inside the building. In that incident, he's accused of stealing a man's wallet, phone, and keys to his unit. Criminal history and court appearance Police said Lopez was on conditional release supervision with the Florida Department of Corrections and had only been out of state prison since January. He has a lengthy criminal record, including past charges for narcotics sales, possession of a firearm by a felon, and battery on a law enforcement officer. Lopez now faces one count of armed home invasion, three counts of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, and one count of armed burglary with battery. At his first court appearance Friday, the judge ruled there was probable cause and ordered Lopez to be held without bond. Residents speak out CBS News Miami spoke with several Flamingo Towers residents who are now feeling on edge. Jordan Penev said, "I am just concerned about security. This is pretty scary to have someone break in and hold someone at gunpoint." Another resident, Jason Boulos, said, "I think it is unfortunate. You should lock your doors. I think you should take safety precautions and be careful." No comment from building management CBS News Miami reached out to Flamingo Towers for comment but has so far not heard back.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Arrest made after Miami Beach condo resident pistol-whipped during home invasion, police say
An arrest has been made in a Miami Beach condominium home invasion in which a man was pistol-whipped, and money and a phone were stolen, according to Miami Beach police. Investigators the same suspect committed an armed burglary shortly before that. According to police, on Tuesday, June 17, officers were sent to Flamingo Towers at 1508 Bay Road to check out reports of an armed robbery. A woman who lives in the building said she was walking to a trash chute when an armed man, who police identified as 31-year-old Brian Lopez of Hialeah, pulled a gun on her and demanded that she take him to her unit, according to police. Once there, Lopez allegedly threatened the woman, a person who lives with her (identified in the police report as J.K.), and someone who was staying with them. He demanded that they get on the ground and hand over their belongings, investigators said. "Initially, J.K. resisted the defendant's commands and refused to get on the ground. The defendant then pistol whipped J.K. by striking him on the top of his head, causing a minor laceration," according to the report. Investigators said J.K. was forced to transfer $1,500 via cell and Lopez stole one of their cellphones. He then allegedly demanded that they take him to their vehicle. When the group made it to the lobby, J.K. screamed for help and Lopez took off, according to the report. He was taken into custody a short time later. During the course of their investigation, police said they determined that Lopez had also committed another burglary in the building prior to this incident. In that incident, Lopez is accused of stealing a man's wallet, phone and keys to his unit. Lopez is facing one count of armed home invasion, three counts of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, and one count of armed burglary with battery. During his first court appearance on Friday, the judge found there was probable cause for the charges and ordered that he be held without bond.
