A social media meet-up at a luxury Miami high-rise turned into a frantic struggle for a man who claims he was lured into a robbery by a woman he met on Instagram.
Nicole Cano, 30, was taken into custody Monday and now faces charges of strong-arm robbery and false imprisonment following the April 11 incident at the Paraiso Bayviews condos.
Police reports indicate the victim arrived at the Northeast 31st Street building for afternoon drinks after connecting with Cano online.
The encounter took a turn while the man was standing on the apartment balcony. According to investigators, as the man was distracted by the view, two unidentified women emerged from a bedroom to confront him.
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The situation escalated quickly as the three women allegedly blocked the exit and demanded cash. When the victim insisted he had no money, a physical struggle broke out.
During the scuffle, the man’s gold chain was ripped from his neck. While he managed to hold onto the chain itself, a gold cross pendant valued at $300 was stolen during the melee.
The victim eventually broke free and ran from the luxury unit while screaming for help.
When questioned by Miami Police, Cano confirmed she had arranged the meeting with the man but told detectives she played no part in a robbery or any attempt to hold him against his will. Despite her denial, she was booked into Miami-Dade jail and appeared before a judge on Tuesday, where her bond was set at $7,500.
Authorities believe there could be more to the story or potentially other victims who have not yet come forward.
“We ask anybody that has information or that is also a victim of this female or of any other to please contact the City of Miami Police Department and give us that information,” said Miami Police spokesman Michael Vega.
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