On Thursday, a dramatic police operation unfolded in a commercial area of Hialeah, captivating both residents and workers, as a man accused of severe crimes against a minor barricaded himself in a warehouse for several hours before surrendering to authorities.
The suspect, identified as José Luis Antigua Martínez, 60, allegedly tried to justify his actions by claiming the presence of "ghosts" in the home where the incidents reportedly occurred, according to NBC Miami.
Police indicated that this explanation was used to disorient the minor, who had been waking up startled at night for months, feeling someone was touching her while she slept.
Each time the teenager voiced her fears, Antigua Martínez insisted that supernatural entities were to blame, even referencing the supposed death of a child in the apartment, as per the police report.
The situation shifted when a friend of the victim suggested capturing the nightly events on video. This footage, later analyzed by investigators, was crucial for the minor to come forward with her allegations.
The investigation led to an arrest warrant, which authorities attempted to execute early Thursday morning. The operation escalated when the man took refuge in a warehouse near West 8th Avenue and 81st Street, an area filled with auto repair shops and restaurants.
Local 10 reported that the vicinity was cordoned off for hours while SWAT units surrounded the building, and negotiators tried to persuade him to surrender.
During the standoff, which lasted over five hours, Antigua Martínez reportedly pointed a weapon at himself and expressed suicidal intentions, the news outlet detailed. Ultimately, he surrendered without any injuries reported and was taken into custody. After his arrest, he exercised his right to legal counsel and refrained from making any statements.
The case emerged from a child protection investigation initiated in late November. Jail records show the accused is being held without bail and faces multiple charges related to offenses against minors.
Univision noted that Antigua Martínez is of Cuban descent, a detail that has resonated deeply within the Hialeah community, home to a significant Cuban population.
The case has sparked alarm and concern among residents and parents, not only due to the severity of the accusations but also because of the emotional manipulation reported and the extensive police operation that temporarily immobilized a section of the city.
Key Details About the Hialeah Incident
What led to the arrest of José Luis Antigua Martínez?
The arrest was prompted by an investigation into child protection, initiated after a minor reported being touched at night. A video recorded by the victim helped authorities secure an arrest warrant.
How did the police operation in Hialeah unfold?
The suspect barricaded himself in a warehouse, leading to a standoff with SWAT units. The operation lasted over five hours and concluded with the suspect's surrender without any injuries.