A South Florida man was arrested after stealing 400 pounds of avocados to sell and buy Christmas gifts for children, according to police.
Edel Perez, 29, faces charges for stealing about 400 pounds of avocados from a grove in southwest Miami-Dade County early Monday morning, according to authorities.
The incident occurred when officers spotted a black Mercedes parked near the avocado grove at Southwest 217th Avenue and 320th Street. They saw Perez, who was wearing a black hoodie, picking avocados and loading them into his car.
After searching the vehicle, authorities found bags filled with avocados and a trunk full of fruit. Deputies estimate the total value of the stolen avocados is approximately $800.
Perez told police he stole the avocados to sell them and buy Christmas gifts for his children.
Investigators said Perez entered the woods through a fence line, allowing him to trespass on agricultural land. He now faces charges of criminal trespassing and third-degree larceny, with bail set at $5,000.
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