A Miami Beach eatery known for drawing celebrities like Lionel Messi faced a real-life villain when a man twice broke in, assaulting an employee and making off with thousands in cash. Surveillance footage has led to the capture of the man accused of these cinematic-esque crimes, Miami police announced yesterday.
Devin Remy, 38, stands charged with armed robbery, burglary, and grand theft for his alleged two-time heist of Café Prima Pasta, an Italian restaurant celebrated for its food and famous clientele. The restaurant became his target first in early January – right after the holiday cheer had waned – when he is said to have forced entry and pilfered roughly $14,000. "He found out a couple of envelopes where we have the money, the weekend money. Part of the money was for employee money, for the paychecks," owner Fabio Palomba told NBC6.
On his second alleged venture on February 11, Remy seemingly returned to blatantly commit the same crime, shattering the restaurant's glass door and seizing the nightly deposits. An employee, prepping for the day, confronted Remy and was subsequently attacked. According to police reports, as the employee pursued Remy out the door, he was faced with a gun and a stark threat – back down or be shot – in a nearby alleyway. This encounter was captured on video as well, providing incontrovertible evidence of the confrontation.
The trail of digital breadcrumbs, including a surveillance footage from the suspect's own apartment complex and cell phone data placing Remy at the scene, made it easy for police to track him down to his Carlyle Avenue residence. A search of the apartment unearthed clothing and the electric scooter believed to have been used during the crimes, securing the case's narrative. When Remy was detained, he purportedly confessed to the burglaries, though he denied any violence or use of a firearm, as per the arrest report.
Currently held without bond, Remy's legal entanglements are further complicated by his probation status, with prior convictions for similar burglary offenses. His probation was nearing its end, set to expire on May 3, but these latest allegations will undoubtedly prolong his journey through the justice system. Attorney information for Remy wasn't immediately available at the time of reporting.
Further details on Remy's specific court appearance have not been disclosed. As this story unfolds, the community looks on, a harsh reminder that even the most celebrated local haunts can fall prey to the malice of criminal intent. Cafe Prima Pasta, for now, focuses on recovery and the well-being of its staff, as noted in records posted on X that mention the violent encounter one of their employees endured.
Video shows a man breaking into Café Prima Pasta in Miami Beach.
— Christian Colón (@ColonCJC) February 29, 2024
Devin Remy, 38, was arrested on armed robbery, burglary and grand theft charges.
Records show he took $14,000. He also punched an employee. @nbc6
#miamibeach #cafeprimapasta #exclusive pic.twitter.com/slPMJNgDFf
