Florida Man Attempts to Steal Corvette at Seminole Hard Rock Casino by Impersonating a Police Officer

Incident Overview

A 60-year-old man from Florida made an unsuccessful attempt to steal a Chevrolet Corvette at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood by pretending to be a law enforcement officer. The valet staff quickly saw through his act and alerted the real police, who arrived shortly afterward.

Details of the Crime

The suspect, Angel Emilio Diez from Miami Gardens, approached the valet area around 3:30 pm EST claiming to be a police officer needing to seize a vehicle. Without waiting for any authorization, he jumped into the Corvette and drove off, catching the valet workers off-guard.

Apprehension and Charges

The casino staff immediately informed the police, who were already present nearby. Officers quickly blocked the exit, preventing Diez from fleeing with the stolen car. During the arrest, it was revealed that Diez wore a polo shirt bearing the insignia of the Florida Department of Corrections, which he had purchased from a thrift store. He denied impersonating an officer.

Authorities charged Diez with multiple offenses, including impersonating a law enforcement officer, grand theft auto, trespassing, and tampering with evidence. The tampering charge arose because he attempted to hide marijuana found on him at the time of arrest. Additionally, Diez was banned for life from the casino property.

Background and Legal Consequences

Diez has a history of legal issues and was already wanted on an outstanding warrant from a 2023 case in which he failed to appear in court. The new charges he faces carry significant penalties, likely resulting in a prison sentence exceeding five years. His attempts to deny the theft and provide unclear explanations are unlikely to convince a court, given the available surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies.