News

Police: Uber Eats Setup Leads to Victim Being Tased, Beaten, Robbed in Violent Home Invasion

by Ryan Yousefi March 28, 2026

34Shares

Simon Emilio Zablah {BSO}

Police say a Margate man has been arrested after an alleged Uber Eats setup led to a victim being tased, beaten, and robbed during a violent home invasion.

According to Margate Police Department arrest records, Simon Emilio Zablah, 39, was arrested on March 21 at his residence near the 1000 block of Southwest 61st Avenue after officers identified him as a suspect in a prior burglary involving an armed assault and violent beating of a victim months prior.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the case stems from a December 2025 incident in which Zablah and two other suspects allegedly forced their way into a victim’s home after the victim opened the door expecting an Uber Eats delivery.

Investigators say one suspect was armed with a taser while Zablah entered with a bat, and the group proceeded to punch, kick, and tase the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim later provided police with a description of the suspects and a vehicle tied to Zablah, ultimately identifying him in a photo lineup.

A warrant for burglary with assault or battery had been issued for Zablah earlier in March with no bond.

When officers located Zablah outside his home, they detained him and discovered a loaded handgun in his waistband.

Zablah was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he is held without bond.

Records do not indicate if law enforcement has been able to apprehend additional suspects wanted in connection with the break-in and assault.

Zablah has also faced federal charges. In a prior case that made national news, he was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after pleading guilty to impersonating a federal officer and credit card fraud.

Prosecutors said he falsely portrayed himself for years as a DEA agent, a member of U.S. Special Operations forces, and a Purple Heart recipient, despite going AWOL from the Army shortly after enlisting and being discharged under other than honorable conditions.

Got News in Margate? Send it to Margate Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.