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Miami Man Suspected In Trio Of Armed Robberies

MIAMI (CBS4) - A Miami man is in custody, a second person on the run, after three armed robberies.

Miami Police believe the crimes are all connected.

According to authorities, the first robbery occurred around 11:15 p.m. at 10th Avenue and NW 33rd Street. Five people standing outside their home were approached by two armed men who forced them inside the house at gunpoint. Once inside, the gunmen ransacked the home and made off with several items.

"We were talking outside and they came in so fast, we wasn't ready for that and they came and they pointed guns at us," said one man who did not wish to be identified in this story.

"They threw us onto the grass and told us if we called the cops they were going to kill us," said the man.

Just after 11:30 p.m. a man was unloading items from his car in front of residence at 90 NW 29th Street when he was approached by two armed men who ordered him to get inside his car. Once inside they robbed him and then took off.

Police say the third stop was at an apartment complex at 5th Avenue and NW 34th Street.  A woman talking outside on her cell phone, was forced at gunpoint into her apartment while her 5-year-old daughter slept on the second floor. The woman's boyfriend who identified himself only as "Sam", spoke to CBS4's Natalia Zea.

"Those cowards came inside my baby mama's crib and she begged them not to go upstairs….They didn't care, went up in there, went up in the kid's room, took everything out of the house and they took off," he said.

They got away with electronics and jewelry, and "Sam" can't believe the excuse they gave his girlfriend.

"They were like 'oh we're sorry, it's rough out here. We got to do what we got to do,' and she was letting them know 'hey it's rough here too! I don't have a job, I don't have nothing," said "Sam".

"They were driving by, trolling for victims, seeing if anyone was outside," said Miami police spokesman Lt. Maximilian Valdez. "They approach them, commit the robberies and force them inside the house."

Valdez said as the officers went to each robbery scene, a complete description of the men and a description of their vehicle was put out on the police radio.

Shortly after the last robbery, a patrol officer spotted a gray Ford Focus which matched the description of the suspects' car and pulled it over. As the officer approached it, the driver took off on foot. The man, identified as 21-year old Cornelius Bryant, was quickly found and taken into custody.

Bryant has been charged with home invasion robbery, armed robbery and false imprisonment.

Valdez said investigators are trying to determine if all three robberies were committed by Bryant and a second

"Sam" hopes police catch the second suspect so his girlfriend can get back the most valuable thing they stole: her security.

"She felt totally violated, she was telling them I have a five year old kid please don't do this, and they weren't listening," said "Sam".  It's ridiculous man. Those cowards need to be caught. That's a coward move man. If I can get up everyday and go to work why can't ya'll?"

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