An individual believed to be affiliated with the notorious MS-13 gang was apprehended this Friday in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, following an attempt to violently hijack an occupied vehicle in broad daylight, as reported by local authorities. The incident unfolded in the morning when a resident paused at a stop sign near 1500 Red Road, at the intersection with Southwest 25 Street, in Miami-Dade County. At that moment, a masked man approached the car, attempting to force the driver out of the vehicle to steal it.
"The victim managed to escape and alerted the Coral Gables Police, who responded within minutes," stated Sergeant Michelle Christensen, spokesperson for the police department, in a statement to Local 10.
Apprehension and Evidence
Shortly after the alert, officers successfully apprehended the suspect in the vicinity of the Granada neighborhood, near West Miami. In the suspect's possession were a firearm, a knife, and a mask, items allegedly used in the attempted robbery. The individual was identified as 24-year-old Wilson Verela from Honduras, who had recently been released from prison.
Criminal Background and MS-13 Connections
According to Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) records, Verela, also known by the aliases “El Low Key” and “Grifo,” had been released on February 10 after serving a sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested for this crime in October of the previous year and sentenced to one year and nine months in prison on February 8, 2024.
During police questioning, Verela confessed to being an active member of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization notorious for its extreme violence and strong presence in Central America and various U.S. cities. Due to the severity of the case and the suspect's connections to an international gang, the Coral Gables Police are collaborating with federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ascertain Verela's immigration status in the United States.
Authorities have urged the public to anonymously report any information related to this or similar incidents to the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers line at 305-471-8477.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest of a Suspected MS-13 Member
Who is Wilson Verela?
Wilson Verela is a 24-year-old from Honduras, recently released from prison, and suspected of being a member of the MS-13 gang.
What was Verela attempting when he was arrested?
Verela was attempting to violently hijack an occupied vehicle in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County.
What actions are the authorities taking?
Authorities are working with federal agencies to determine Verela's immigration status and are urging the public to report any relevant information about this or similar incidents.