What began as a potential friendship between two men quickly escalated into a harrowing ordeal reminiscent of a crime thriller. One man, armed with a gun, kidnapped the other and demanded a hefty ransom from his family.
Andy Josué Torres García, an 18-year-old from Little Havana, was taken into custody on Tuesday, leaving the community in shock. According to a Miami Police report, the incident unfolded on the night of April 15. Torres García, who had met the victim just two days prior at a restaurant in Allapattah, picked him up under the guise of a casual evening drive.
The pair made a brief stop at the Sexyyy Lady Cabaret nightclub on Northwest 79th Street. Surveillance footage from the club captured Torres García speaking with the doorman, a critical piece of evidence that later aided in his identification.
After leaving the club, they headed towards the upscale Brickell neighborhood. It was along Southwest First Avenue and 13th Street that Torres García allegedly pulled a gun from inside the car, pressing it against the victim's torso with a chilling threat: "I'll kill you right here." He then relieved the victim of his phone, wallet, and a chain.
Despite the victim's pleas for release, Torres continued driving with the gun aimed at him, declaring his intention to demand ransom. The victim was eventually left stranded in an unfamiliar location, unable to reach out for help.
After walking for over two hours, the victim finally reached his home, where Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies were already present. The family had been contacted by the kidnapper using the stolen phone, demanding $35,000.
With the nightclub's cooperation and the clear surveillance footage, police were able to trace Torres García's car, registered under his mother's name. He was apprehended at a gas station on Coral Way near Southwest 13th Avenue.
Torres García now faces serious charges, including armed kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion. A Miami-Dade County judge has ordered him held without bail. As of Wednesday afternoon, he remained detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
What charges is Andy Josué Torres García facing?
He is facing charges of armed kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion.
How did the police identify Torres García?
The police identified him using surveillance footage from the nightclub and traced the car registered under his mother's name.
Where is Torres García currently being held?
He is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bail.