Taxi driver stole phones, money from intoxicated people, Miami Beach police say

Crime admin October 1, 2026 0 Comments

Taxi driver stole phones, money from intoxicated people, Miami Beach police say

A taxi driver was arrested Tuesday for his involvement in a scheme to steal cellphones and money from intoxicated people in Miami Beach, police said.

Detectives began a monthslong investigation after a June 14 strong-arm robbery near 11th Street and Washington Avenue, Officer Christopher Bess, spokesperson for the Miami Beach Police Department, said in a statement.

A victim reported that a woman approached him after he left a nightclub, stole his iPhone and fled to a waiting yellow taxi, police said. City surveillance footage showed the woman entering and exiting the taxi before approaching “another visibly intoxicated individual” and removing a cellphone from his pocket.

The taxi driver was identified as 48-year-old Reynoso Osias, police said. It’s unclear if Osias was working with the woman, who is not listed in court or jail records.

Osias is accused of targeting another intoxicated man on June 28. His cellphone was stolen and money was withdrawn from his financial accounts, police said. He later told detectives he didn’t remember entering Osias’ taxi and hadn’t hailed or requested one.

When detectives arrested Osias, they found eight iPhones in a plastic bag beneath the driver’s seat inside the taxi, police said. Osias’ charges include kidnapping, conspiracy to commit strong-arm robbery, organized scheme to defraud, offenses against computer users and unlawful use of a communications device.

Anyone with additional information can contact the Miami Beach Police Department at 305-673-7900.

Osias doesn’t have an attorney listed yet. He was being held Wednesday with bond to be set at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

“This arrest reflects outstanding, methodical police work by our detectives,” Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones said in the statement. “The allegations are particularly concerning because they involve individuals in vulnerable conditions. We will continue to pursue those who target our residents and visitors and hold them accountable.”