Detectives with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 25-year-old man believed to be responsible for a string of vehicle burglaries targeting work vans across the county.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jesus Ortega, who investigators say had been linked to multiple break-ins dating back to October 2025.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives from the Hammocks District Auto Theft Unit began surveillance on Ortega on March 10 after he was identified as a person of interest in several cases involving stolen power tools from utility vans. Investigators said the suspect often concealed his identity during the crimes by wearing facial coverings and gloves.
With assistance from the agency’s aviation unit, detectives maintained overnight surveillance. At about 6:26 a.m. on March 11, authorities said Ortega was observed committing a vehicle burglary near Southwest 85th Avenue and Southwest 4th Street.
He was taken into custody shortly afterward and charged in connection with the incident.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing other cases believed to be connected to the suspect.
Officials urged anyone with information about the incidents to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
