Man arrested in burglaries targeting work vans across Miami-Dade, sheriff says

A suspect has been arrested in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries targeting work vans across Miami-Dade, authorities said.

Jesus Elier Ortega, 25, was arrested Wednesday on charges including burglary and driving with a suspended license, Miami-Dade jail records showed.

Ortega is a person of interest in multiple burglaries throughout the county dating back to October 2025, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office officials said.

Authorities said the suspect used face coverings to conceal his identity and wore gloves while stealing power tools from the vans.

Detectives began surveillance on Ortega on Tuesday, and early Wednesday, they witnessed him commit a vehicle burglary in the area of Southwest 85th Avenue and Southwest 4th Street, officials said.

He was taken into custody and booked into jail.

“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who target hardworking residents and businesses in our community. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.