Surveillance cameras captured an 89-year-old custodian fighting off an attempted robber who threw bags of garbage and a trash bin at the man before running away in Little Havana.
The strong-armed robbery happened at approximately 5:30 a.m. May 30 at a parking lot on 1220 SW 3rd Street, City of Miami police said.
The victim was talking out the trash at work when the suspect ran through an open gate and demanded he give him his watch.
In the footage, released Wednesday, the man whips out a pocket knife to scare off the suspect, who then retreats after throwing bags filled with garbage and a garbage bin at the man.
Police said the suspect returns and attempts to intimidate the victim by covering his right hand and pretending to have a weapon his bag, but the victim locked the gate so the suspect couldn't come back inside. The suspect is seen running away.
"He's a tiny guy," said Fernando Gonzalez, a friend of the custodian. "But a brave man."
Police are looking to identify the suspect, who was described as a black male in his 30's, who stands 6 feet tall with a slim build, full trimmed beard and was last seen wearing a gray cap, white t-shirt, gray cargo shorts and orange and white sneakers.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
