A family in Southwest Miami-Dade was held at gunpoint during a home invasion. According to WSVN, Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the incident that occurred around midnight near Southwest 284th Street. Three armed and masked suspects ambushed a man in his driveway before forcing him and his family into their home. A sheriff's office spokesperson explained, “He was ambushed by them. He did not know they were there. They approached him at gunpoint at took him into the home"
In a statement to WSVN, the family’s patriarch York Valdez speculated that his social media fame might have made them a target. "“I have a lot of followers on TikTok more than 5 million people see me every week, so around 20 million, 50 million per month. So I’m very famous on TikTok that’s what happening. Also, this happening because [inaudible] my own things that I do to give promotion to my business. They think that I have money in my house and this is the first time I bring some expensive watches to my house. I never bring the watch I always put it in my safe box. I never keep money with me, nothing, only my cards." The invaders stole jewelry, expensive clothing, and the family’s pearl white Cadillac.
Local10 reported that the homeowner, York Perez, is a Cuban jeweler with over 121,000 TikTok followers. Detective Luis Sierra and Officer Samantha Choon explained that one burglar held the family at gunpoint while two others searched the house. Surveillance cameras in the neighborhood had previously recorded three people in dark clothing acting suspiciously. Neighbor Ashon Lillie remembered hearing a scream followed by silence and barking dogs.
As per Local 10 report, Perez later shared his experience on TikTok, saying, "The biggest fear of my life is that something would happen to my daughter." He added that the incident taught him to be more cautious on social media. Despite the traumatic event, Perez expressed forgiveness, saying, "God bless you."
Miami-Dade deputies are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
