A father in Florida has been taken into custody after he was allegedly caught stealing a huge haul of avocados, with police stating his motive was to buy Christmas gifts for his children.
The Early Hours Theft
In the early hours of Monday 23 December 2025, Edel Perez, aged 29, was reportedly seen on a farm in the Redland area of South Florida. According to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Police Department, Perez was "dressed all in black" while taking fruit from the property, which is owned by Grove Services Incorporated.
Deputies observed the incident after spotting Perez accessing the farm through a cut in its perimeter fence. They followed him to his Mercedes-Benz vehicle, where they conducted a search.
The Staggering Haul and Motive
Inside the car, officers allege they discovered multiple black bags filled with avocados, with more of the fruit stored in the boot. The total weight of the alleged stolen goods was estimated at a remarkable 400 pounds.
The police report, obtained by local news outlet WPLG, states that Perez admitted to officers that he knew he was taking property that did not belong to him. He reportedly explained that he is currently unemployed and has two children, and his plan was to sell the avocados on the street to raise money for their Christmas presents. The total value of the stolen fruit was estimated at around $800.
Charges and Custody
Edel Perez now faces serious legal consequences for his actions. He has been formally charged with third-degree grand theft and trespassing on an agricultural site.
Following his arrest, he was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of Monday afternoon, he was being held there awaiting a bond hearing, with his bond set at $5,000.
This unusual case highlights the desperate measures some individuals may feel compelled to take during the festive season, while also underscoring the serious legal repercussions for agricultural crime in Florida.
