Hialeah Carjacking Suspect Was Wanted In Keys: Sheriffs

A man arrested for stealing a vehicle with a 3-year-old boy inside is also wanted in the Florida Keys in connection with several burglaries, according to authorities.

Jose Valdes, 48, was taken into custody last week for carjacking and two recent back robberies, officials said.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Monday Valdes will also be charged with two Key Largo burglaries at a West Marine store in June.

Valdes, who was on probation and living in his mother's home, was positively identified by his sister in the West Marine surveillance footage where officials said he stole several fishing reels from a display case. She also told authorities she remembers seeing her brother with a Penn reel, which detectives said he later pawned.

Further investigation into SunPass records showed his mother’s vehicle was driven south of Homestead on several dates that coincided with the burglaries. His probation officer confirmed he asked for permission to visit his sister, who has a home in the area, the sheriff's office said.

Valdes is a suspect in three other burglaries in which he also gained entrance by throwing a rock through glass, but charges are pending.

He remains in custody in Miami and will return to Monroe County to face his charges on a later date.

The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Miami-Dade Police, Hialeah Police, Miami Police and South Florida Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force is still investigating the carjacking.

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