A Homestead man is facing charges after authorities said he used a hammer to damage multiple slot machines at a Hialeah business, causing thousands of dollars in losses.
Juan Emilio Rodriguez, 35, was arrested Wednesday and charged with armed criminal mischief in connection with the incident, which occurred in November at a business located in the 4400 block of Palm Avenue, according to an arrest report.
Police said surveillance video shows Rodriguez walking up to several slot machines while customers were actively using them. The footage captures him holding a hammer as he begins striking the machines.
A bystander attempted to intervene, but Rodriguez allegedly smashed three machines and removed cash from inside.
Investigators said Rodriguez took about $9,000, which he later returned. However, he refused to cover the estimated $14,000 in damages caused to the machines.
Rodriguez was taken into custody and booked into jail.
