MIAMI BEACH, FL – A brazen crime spree that rattled Miami Beach came to a dramatic conclusion as police arrested a man suspected of targeting multiple gas stations in search of quick cash. The suspect, identified as Patrick Al-Zuhari, was finally apprehended after a high-speed chase through Cutler Bay, Florida.
The series of robberies began at an Orient gas station, where surveillance cameras captured Al-Zuhari entering the store early Saturday morning. Authorities say he approached the counter with a gun and demanded the clerk hand over the cash. When told there was none, he allegedly made off with cigarettes and soda instead.
Al-Zuhari’s alleged crime wave didn’t stop there. After leaving the gas station, he reportedly targeted a parked Hyundai Santa Fe, threatening the woman inside with his weapon before commandeering the vehicle. He then drove to Miami Beach, where he allegedly hit two more gas stations and even swiped a tip jar from Club Madonna, adding another layer to his audacious spree.
The chase began when Florida Highway Patrol officers spotted Al-Zuhari in Cutler Bay. Despite their attempts to pull him over, he refused to stop, leading to a pursuit through city streets. Officers eventually executed two tactical maneuvers to halt the car. Al-Zuhari then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured.
On Sunday, Al-Zuhari faced a judge, confronting a slew of charges, including armed robbery. The arrest, however, has done little to ease the nerves of the workers at the affected gas stations, who remain shaken. As a result, management has decided to lock the doors during overnight hours to enhance security.
The community is still processing the events, with many residents expressing unease about their safety. Police have urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Investigators are now piecing together the details of Al-Zuhari’s alleged activities, looking for any connections to other crimes in the area and determining if he had any accomplices.