BSO: Theft suspect calls Rolex 'gift from God'
Broward Sheriff's Office deputies said they arrested the man caught on surveillance video stealing an expensive watch from a plastic bin at Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Igor Ramos, 37, was arrested at his home in Sunny Isles on Friday morning, and detectives said he was wearing the watch when he opened the door.
"When we asked him about the watch, he said it was a gift from God," said Lt. Brian Montgomery.
Deputies said Ramos had no idea he made big news earlier this week when BSO released surveillance video that they said shows him swiping the pricey Rolex.
"Even the security guard at his building in Sunny Isles came up to him and said, 'Hey, you're all over TV,' and he thought everybody was joking with him," said Montgomery.
It happened Jan. 18. The $6,500 timepiece belonged to the woman in line ahead of him. She removed her belongings from the bin after walking through the body scan machine, but she accidentally left the watch in the bin. Surveillance video showed the man in line behind her taking the watch after she walked away, BSO said.
By the time the victim realized the watch was gone, detectives said Ramos was well on his way to New York. Investigators requested the passenger list from the airline and were then flooded with tips after they released the video Wednesday.
Detectives said Ramos frequently travels between Florida and New York, buying and selling cars, and was actually heading back to the airport Friday when deputies caught him at home.
"As our guys were standing outside his condo, he opened the door, and surprisingly, he was wearing the victim's watch," Montgomery said.
The woman who owns the watch lives in Honduras, and according to detectives, she is relieved to know her Rolex will be returned.
