Man, 18, accused of stealing over $1,200 from Central American restaurant in Miami

MIAMI, Florida — Police have arrested an 18-year-old resident in connection with a bold daytime robbery at a Central American restaurant located in Miami’s vibrant Allapattah neighborhood.

Brazen Theft Behind the Counter

The robbery took place at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at El Nuevo Progreseño, a popular eatery situated at 1717 NW 17th Avenue. According to police reports, two young men entered the establishment and sat at the counter. An employee was in a nearby restricted area counting the cash proceeds from the previous evening's sales. Taking advantage of the employee's brief distraction, one of the suspects—later identified as 18-year-old Eli San Martin—vaulted over the counter and grabbed $1,206 in cash. His companion remained near the exit, acting as a lookout.

Quick Police Response Leads to Arrest

Miami Police detectives quickly identified San Martin due to prior interactions and local intelligence. Later that same day, officers spotted the suspect at a transit bus stop near Northwest 17th Avenue and 28th Street. He was taken into custody without incident. San Martin has been booked into the Miami-Dade County jail on charges of burglary of an occupied structure and third-degree grand theft. The second suspect remains at large, and police are continuing their investigation.