A late-night drive through Pinecrest Village ended in handcuffs for three men, after police say they were cruising the neighborhood and scoping out cars for a string of smash-and-grab burglaries. Around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, officers pulled over a gray Honda Accord and detained all of the occupants without incident. The stop came after neighbors had already been on edge, with police linking that same car to several recent break-ins.
According to arrest reports, officers identified the three as Terrance Beron Sills, 22, and Jayden Cereus, 18, both of Fort Lauderdale, along with 18-year-old Kevin Peeples of Miami. Police say the Honda had repeatedly pinged automated license-plate readers after the village issued a be-on-the-lookout for a gray Honda Accord. During the stop near Southwest 122nd Street and Southwest 67th Avenue, investigators say they spotted three automotive window-punch tools, multiple pairs of gloves and black ski masks in plain view. Jail records show the trio now faces counts of possession of burglary tools and loitering or prowling and that each was being held on a $5,100 bond, as reported by Local 10.
Tools, Masks and Moves That Raised Suspicions
Officers noted in reports that the driver was wearing a black ski mask when they first spotted the Accord. Police say the driver dimmed the headlights and started to back up after seeing a marked patrol car, behavior that did not exactly calm anyone’s nerves. Investigators described the window-punch tools as devices “commonly used to quickly shatter vehicle windows during burglaries,” and say the three gave conflicting stories about why they were in Pinecrest. One suspect reportedly claimed they were looking for an Airbnb, while another said the Honda belonged to him. According to police, those statements did not match records or a homeowner’s account.
Charges and Custody
Court and booking records indicate the men were booked on counts related to possession of burglary tools and loitering or prowling, then transported to the county jail. According to Miami-Dade Corrections, initial processing after an arrest typically happens at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 7000 NW 41st Street in Miami. Family members and attorneys can obtain bond details and case information through the jail’s information line or by checking court records while the investigation continues.
How to Help Investigators
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers. Tips can be called in anonymously at 305-471-8477 or submitted online. The organization notes that callers can stay anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest, according to Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade. Police are also urging residents to review doorbell or car-camera footage for images of the gray Honda or any suspicious activity from that night.
Safety Steps for Drivers
Police say the arrests are a fresh reminder not to make your car an easy target. Drivers are urged to secure valuables, avoid leaving electronics or bags in plain view, and always lock vehicles. Parking in well-lit areas, using home security cameras when possible and quickly reporting suspicious people or vehicles to law enforcement can help blunt the quick-hit tactics behind smash-and-grab burglaries.
