Miami Police arrested three men in connection with an armed robbery at a McDonald's early Wednesday morning.
Eddie Lee Thomasiv, 19, Leon Westbrook, 19, and Alex Westbrook, 22, (pictured below) were taken into custody Wednesday afternoon for breaking into a McDonald's at 1016 West Flagler Street, said a Miami Police Department News Release.
Officials said Thomasiv threw a rock into the front glass door of the McDonald's, causing it to shatter. The other two suspects entered the restaurant and gathered the employees at gunpoint, collecting cell phones, laptops and an undisclosed amount of money, the release said.
They left in a dark colored Cadillac and were spotted by an officer who noticed the SUV traveling erratically, the release said.
"He sees the individuals match the description," said Miami Police Spokesman Sgt. Freddie Cruz. "He calls for backup. Instantly, we capture the criminals."
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One witness said the subjects could have been stopped sooner. Mike Quintana said he was armed at the time of the robbery, but didn't want to aggravate the situation by drawing his firearm.
"The subject was coming my way," Quintana said. "What I did was re-holster my side arm. I just let him take the laptop because he had the up on me. They had a .38. It was pointed right at my direction so I did not want to risk anything happening."
Officials confirmed another McDonald's at 3200 S. Dixie Highway was robbed close to midnight Wednesday. Miami Police are investigating the three suspects to see if they are also responsible for that robbery.
A witness at the McDonald's at 3200 S. Dixie Highway said two suspects entered the restaurant wearing ski masks, demanding money and electronics.
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The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said one of the robbers at the first McDonald's came in pointing a gun and told everybody to get down and stay put. The witness said the robbers took everyone's cell phones and all the computers, but could not get into the cash register.
"Everybody stayed calm," the witness said. "It was nice and even-handed."
McDonald's Operations Manager Luigi Potesta made a statement saying:
"The safety of our customers and crew is my top priority. We are cooperating with the City of Miami Police on their investigation. I ask that any questions be directed to police."
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