Miami Springs smoke shop burglary case leads to felony charges against 17-year-old Opa-locka teen

Alleged Jan. 2 burglary detailed by investigators

A 17-year-old from Opa-locka is facing multiple felony charges after investigators said surveillance footage captured a quick, targeted theft inside a Miami Springs smoke shop earlier this year.

Police said the incident occurred on Jan. 2, 2026, at Holy Smokes, a retail store located at 1 S. Poinciana Blvd. Investigators allege the teen entered a restricted, employee-only area while a worker stepped away. Footage reviewed by police was described as showing the suspect moving through the office area and placing store merchandise into a backpack before returning to the sales floor.

Investigators said the video shows the suspect opening a glass display case and taking additional items before leaving the store. Authorities estimated the stolen merchandise—identified as vape cartridges and THCP marijuana flower—at approximately $1,800.

Identification and search warrant

According to police, the suspect was identified three days after the burglary. Investigators said a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office detective recognized the individual from prior contact and provided a lead to Miami Springs police.

Detectives then obtained and executed a search warrant at the teen’s home in Opa-locka. Police said evidence recovered from the suspect’s room linked him to the burglary, including items described as matching some of the merchandise taken from the store.

Charges filed and what they mean under Florida law

The teen has been charged with burglary of an occupied structure and third-degree grand theft—both felony offenses under Florida law.

• Burglary, under Florida statutes, includes entering a structure with intent to commit an offense, or remaining inside surreptitiously with that intent. Burglary can be charged at different felony levels depending on factors such as whether a structure is occupied at the time of entry.

• Grand theft in the third degree generally applies when the value of property stolen meets statutory thresholds that elevate the offense beyond petit theft.

Police have emphasized that the allegations are supported by video evidence and items recovered during a court-authorized search.

Case status and next steps

As of Feb. 5, 2026, the case remains in the criminal-justice process. The charges are allegations, and the teen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Court records and future hearings will determine whether prosecutors proceed to trial, seek a plea, or request additional conditions of release and supervision.

The investigation underscores how surveillance video, inter-agency tips, and search warrants can converge quickly in retail burglary cases—particularly when investigators believe a suspect can be identified from prior law-enforcement contact.