A harrowing incident unfolded outside a Sedano’s supermarket in Hialeah, Florida, leaving an elderly man injured and traumatized. Authorities have now arrested a suspect in connection with the violent carjacking of an 87-year-old, bringing some relief to the local community.
Carjacking at Hialeah Sedano’s Leaves Elderly Man Injured
According to officials, 38-year-old Osmani Menendez was arrested Wednesday after the brutal carjacking incident. He now faces a series of serious charges, including burglary with assault or battery, armed robbery carjacking, kidnapping, and battery on a person 65 years or older.
The incident took place in the parking lot of the Sedano’s supermarket located at 1170 West 49th Street. The elderly victim had been sitting in the front passenger seat of his 2025 Chevrolet Trax while waiting for his son, who was inside the store. The vehicle’s ignition remained on as the man waited, unaware of the danger about to strike.
Menendez Confronts Elderly Victim
In a sudden turn of events, Menendez allegedly opened the driver’s side door and began trying to force the elderly man out. Startled, the victim initially mistook the suspect for his son. However, Menendez reportedly issued a chilling warning in Spanish, saying,
“This is a robbery, I have a revolver, get out of the car old man or I will do it for you the hard way,” according to the police report.
Violent Attack and Escape
What followed was an intense and violent sequence of events. Menendez started driving away with the victim still inside the car. The suspect then stopped at West 10th Avenue and 49th Street, where the victim attempted to escape.
But Menendez delivered a brutal kick to the elderly man’s back, causing him to fall in the middle of the road. The suspect fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, leaving the 87-year-old injured and vulnerable.
Despite his injuries, the elderly man managed to walk back to the Sedano’s parking lot, where he was reunited with his son. His son promptly called 911 to report the horrifying ordeal.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
Thanks to quick action by local authorities, Menendez did not remain on the run for long. Police tracked the vehicle using the victim’s cellphone, which had been left inside the car. An Opa-locka Police sergeant spotted Menendez driving the stolen Chevrolet Trax on Interstate 95, leading to his arrest.
Surveillance footage from the Sedano’s parking lot played a key role in the investigation, capturing the entire incident. The suspect’s description, along with his clothing, matched what Menendez was wearing at the time of his arrest, further solidifying the case against him.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Menendez was subsequently booked into jail, and during his Thursday court appearance, a judge appointed him a public defender. Menendez is currently being held without bond as the case proceeds through the legal system.
This shocking carjacking has left the Hialeah community rattled, but with the arrest of Menendez, residents are hopeful that justice will be served.
