Insets, from left: Brandon Garcia and Oscar Garcia-Berrios (Broward County Jail). Background: Car Express Florida in Hollywood, Florida (Google Maps).
In a dramatic turn of events, a father and son were apprehended by Florida authorities after allegedly abducting two car salesmen at gunpoint over a contentious Mercedes-Benz transaction.
The duo, Oscar Garcia-Berrios, 50, and his son, Brandon Garcia, 23, are now facing serious charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. According to an arrest affidavit, the incident came to the attention of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office around 8 p.m. on November 28, at a RaceTrac gas station in Hollywood. Responding officers found themselves confronted with a tense situation involving both the suspects and the victims.
Investigation revealed that the Garcias had purchased a 2021 Mercedes-Benz two days prior for $37,000. The two parties were scheduled to meet on November 28 in order to finalize the transaction. However, an accidental text message about a temporary tag, sent from one of the victims, led Garcia to suspect foul play.
The situation escalated when the Garcias arrived at the Car Express Florida office located at 1424 SW 12th Ave. in Pompano Beach. One of the victims recounted seeing Garcia, his father, and an unidentified accomplice by the Mercedes, with Garcia carrying a backpack.
According to the affidavit, tensions rose as the Garcias demanded the vehicle title be transferred to their name and insisted on receiving a temporary tag. When one of the salesmen explained the need for additional paperwork, Garcia allegedly brandished an AR-15-style rifle, while his father reportedly drew a handgun.
Garcia then threatened the salesmen, insisting on a refund for the car, declaring he was “not playing any games.” The situation intensified when the unidentified accomplice noticed a firearm in one of the salesmen’s waistbands and seized it. The victims reported fearing for their lives during the ordeal.
According to cops, the salesmen were trying to reach their manager to cancel the sale but could not reach him. Meanwhile, the unidentified suspect allegedly started taking items from the business such as temporary tags, a money counter and vehicle registration documentation, deputies wrote.
After about 40 minutes, the suspects allegedly ordered the victims to drive them to their manager’s house. Garcia-Berrios forced the victims to get into their car at gunpoint while his son drove behind in the Mercedes and the third suspect in an SUV, the affidavit said. While in the vehicle, one of the victims allegedly secretly texted family members letting them know what was happening and asked them to call cops.
The victims told the suspects to drive to the RaceTrac in Hollywood to meet with the manager. The victim alerted family members where they were going so cops could respond to the gas station. When deputies arrived they reportedly saw Garcia holding a backpack. An AR-15 was located inside along with one of the suspect’s phones, per the affidavit. Cops also allegedly found a handgun on Garcia-Berrios.
Both suspects were taken into custody and remain at the Broward County Jail without bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Friday.
