CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Miami Arson Arrest

3/25/2024

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 25, 2024 Contact: Office of Communications, [email protected], 850.413.2842 CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Miami Arson Arrest

MIAMI, Fla. -Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Miguel Reyes, Jr. in Miami-Dade County on charges of Burglary, Arson, and Throwing a Destructive Device. On March 22, 2024, Miguel Reyes and another suspect were caught on a surveillance recording system approaching a local barbershop, shattering the front glass windows, and throwing two ignited objects into the business causing a large commercial fire. The additional suspect is still at large.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Arson is a serious and malicious crime that we will not tolerate in Florida. As someone who spent my life in the restaurant industry, I understand how hard it is to build, maintain, and protect a small business, and when Florida small business owners' livelihoods are in destroyed by thugs, I want to do everything I can as Florida's CFO and State Fire Marshal to hold those criminals accountable. Huge thanks to the firefighters with the Hialeah Fire Department and to my Detectives with the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations for all your hard work and effort in keeping our state and our communities safe."

On March 22, 2024, the Hialeah Fire Department requested the investigative assistance of the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (BFAEI). This request was in reference to a commercial structure fire which was the result of a firebombing that occurred at Havana Style Barbershop, 60 W 49 Street, Hialeah, FL on March 22, 2024, at approximately 3:30 am. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Detective C. Toledo and ATF Special Agent J. Wilson responded to the scene and conducted an origin and cause investigation. The fire incident was captured by the surveillance recording system at the business. The recording depicts two persons approaching the business, shattering the front glass window, and throwing two ignited objects into the business. As a result, the interior of the business sustained severe fire damage. The on-scene investigation conducted by the Hialeah Police Department identified Miguel Reyes as one of the two responsible suspects for the fire, located and arrested.

Reyes was booked at the Turner Gilford Knight Correctional and is charged with Burglary, Arson, and Throwing a Destructive Device. If convicted on charges, Reyes could face up to at least 30 years in prison.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida's Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida's firefighters, and ensure the state's finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).