Margate Crime Blotter: Three Teens Arrested After Smash-and-Grab Burglary, Police Recover $30K in Stolen Goods

Margate Police {Aiden Palmer}

The Margate Police Department responded to various incidents and made multiple arrests between January 27 and February 2, 2026.

Incidents

Theft — NW 62nd Avenue
A victim reported that approximately $1,000 in shirts and $400 in cash were missing from a closet and a wallet inside the residence. Total estimated loss: $1,400.

Fraud — NW 79th Avenue
A victim received a call from a suspect claiming to be a Wells Fargo employee who provided accurate account information and convinced the victim that fraudulent activity was occurring. The victim was instructed to withdraw funds to prevent loss and later surrendered the money to an unknown subject who arrived at the residence. Investigation ongoing.

Criminal Mischief — 3370 Banks Road
Between Feb. 1 at 8:30 p.m. and Feb. 2 at 11:30 a.m., a 2019 Toyota CHR had two tires slashed and its brake line cut while parked. The victim requested prosecution.

Vehicle Burglaries — 214 Margate Court Plaza
Between 2:28 a.m. and 4:36 a.m., approximately 10 vehicles were burglarized in a plaza parking lot. Surveillance footage shows a suspect entering multiple vehicles and attempting entry into others. Investigation continues.

Theft of Firearm — NW 29th Street
A victim reported a guest’s acquaintance stole a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun following a verbal dispute inside the residence. The firearm was entered into national databases and a notice to identify and capture (NIC) was issued for the suspect.

Battery — Margate Kids Academy, 200 S. State Road 7
A subject became irate after being told his child could not remain at the school due to unpaid tuition. During the confrontation, he made threats and knocked items from a counter, causing a tablet to strike the victim. The subject left before police arrived.

Grand Theft Auto — NW 27th Street
A 2017 black Jeep Grand Cherokee was reported stolen from a driveway sometime between Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, 2025. Investigation ongoing.

Arrests & Custodial Cases

Shoplifting / Grand Theft — America’s Best, 5407 W. Atlantic Blvd.
Michael Bencher, 44, removed multiple eyeglasses from display shelves and left the store without paying. He was later located nearby, positively identified, and transported to BSO Main Jail.

Domestic Battery — Celebration Place
Amanda Sanchez, 27, allegedly grabbed door locks from the victim during a dispute while moving out of a shared residence. The suspect relocated out of jurisdiction; a notice to identify and capture was filed.

Domestic Battery — Pinewalk Drive North
Edwin Diaz allegedly scratched the victim and took her cellphone, preventing her from calling 911. Investigation led to charges.

Driving While License Suspended — 1401 NW 62nd Avenue
Johanna Justine Jugeat, 45, was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

Possession of Cocaine — 500 N. State Road 7
Following a traffic stop for illegal window tint, passenger Elias Ledezma, 59, was arrested for possession of cocaine.

Violation of Injunction — NW 65th Terrace
Anderson Clemont, 45, entered the victim’s residence despite an active injunction. Video evidence confirmed the violation, and the suspect admitted knowledge of the order.

Capias Arrest — 2801 N. State Road 7
John Miller, 55, was taken into custody on an active felony warrant related to grand theft.

Capias Arrest — 5301 Coconut Creek Parkway
Officers made consensual contact with a subject outside a vacant business and discovered an active warrant, leading to arrest.

Commercial Burglary & Related Charges — Boss Vape Smoke Shop, Davie
Jaiden Mondesir, 17; Bradley Bazile, 17; and Joao Da Cruz, 15, were arrested after allegedly committing a smash-and-grab burglary using rental vehicles. Detectives reported the suspects rammed police vehicles while attempting to flee before being apprehended on foot. Approximately $30,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered. Charges include aggravated battery on law enforcement, burglary, grand theft, fleeing and eluding, possession of burglary tools, resisting arrest, and related offenses.

DUI Arrest — 1000 NW 66th Avenue
Elijah Michael Gilbert, 27, was arrested following a traffic stop for equipment violations and signs of impairment.

Retail Theft — Walmart, 5555 W. Atlantic Blvd.
Travis Wells, 46, concealed merchandise totaling $56.97 and passed all points of sale without payment. He was issued a notice to appear in court.

Domestic Battery Arrest — SW 11th Street
Dustin Michael Eubanks, 36, allegedly broke the victim’s pinky finger during a physical altercation. Both parties initially fled but were later located and probable cause established.

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