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Miami-Dade, FL - A Miami-Dade County man was arrested after deputies say he was caught in the act of taking a large amount of avocados from a private farm during an overnight patrol.
According to the Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report, deputies were patrolling an agricultural area in Redland around 2:30 a.m. when they noticed a man dressed in dark clothing inside a commercial avocado grove.
The individual was later identified as 29-year-old Edel Perez.
Deputies reported observing Perez actively picking avocados from trees on property owned by a farming company.
Investigators say a black Mercedes Benz was parked nearby along the roadway. Inside the vehicle, deputies allegedly found multiple bags filled with freshly picked avocados, along with additional produce stored in the trunk.
Authorities estimated the total weight of the avocados at approximately 400 pounds, with an estimated value of about $800.
The arrest report states Perez allegedly gained access to the property by entering through a damaged or cut section of fencing.
When questioned by deputies, Perez reportedly acknowledged that the avocados did not belong to him.
He allegedly told officers that he planned to sell the fruit and use the money to purchase Christmas gifts for his children.
Deputies noted that Perez stated he was currently unemployed.
Perez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
He was charged with third degree grand theft and trespassing on an agricultural site, both of which are felony offenses under Florida law.
His bond was set at $5,000.
No injuries were reported, and the avocados were recovered by authorities.
