Authorities from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office have apprehended a man accused of repeatedly stealing luggage from travelers at Miami International Airport (MIA) over several days during the bustling holiday travel season, according to official sources.
Local 10 News reported that the suspect, identified as Darryl Elliott Clayton, a 22-year-old from Montgomery, Alabama, is facing five counts of grand theft. Clayton was detained on December 25, coinciding with Christmas Day.
Arrest reports suggest that between Saturday and Tuesday, Clayton allegedly targeted arriving passengers, taking suitcases directly from baggage carousels. In some instances, he reportedly acted with an unidentified accomplice.
According to the report, Clayton would transport the luggage to airport restrooms, where he removed valuable items before abandoning the bags. Surveillance footage led to his identification.
Clayton was subsequently found on Thursday at the airport's Rental Car Center, wearing "the same gray sweatshirt, with a gold chain and a cross around his neck" as seen in the surveillance video, the agents noted.
He appeared before a Miami-Dade judge on Friday morning, who ordered him held on a $7,500 bond and barred him from returning to Miami International Airport. As of Friday afternoon, jail records cited in the report indicated that the accused remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences at the airport, raising concerns about internal security during festive periods when passenger volumes significantly increase.
On December 25, 2025, coinciding with Christmas Day, an employee of Miami International Airport was also arrested, accused of participating in luggage thefts during the high travel season. This worker allegedly exploited access to restricted areas to extract valuables from suitcases, using the airport restrooms as a place to dispose of the contents.
Security Concerns at Miami International Airport
How was Darryl Elliott Clayton identified as a suspect?
Clayton was identified as a suspect through surveillance video footage that captured his actions and attire during the thefts.
What charges is Clayton facing?
Clayton is facing five charges of grand theft related to his alleged repeated luggage thefts at the airport.
What measures have been taken following the theft incidents?
In response to these incidents, security measures at Miami International Airport are under scrutiny to prevent further occurrences and ensure passenger safety.