- A Miami social media meetup escalated into an alleged robbery involving a woman and two accomplices.
- Nicole Cano, 30, has been charged with false imprisonment and strong-arm robbery after the incident.
- The victim was allegedly blocked from leaving and had a gold cross pendant stolen during a struggle.
MIAMI, FLORIDA — A social media meetup at a luxury Miami condo allegedly turned into a robbery after police say a woman invited a man she met on Instagram for drinks, only for two other women to emerge and demand money. The case adds to recent Miami arrests involving social media personalities and online attention, including an incident where two social media influencers were arrested at Miami International Airport after refusing to leave first-class seats.
Nicole Cano, 30, is accused of helping rob and detain a man at the Paraiso Bayviews condominium building on NE 31st Street in Miami. She has been charged with false imprisonment and strong-arm robbery.
Instagram Meetup Turned Into Alleged Robbery
According to police, Cano and the victim had previously met through Instagram. On April 11, Cano allegedly contacted the man around noon, and the two exchanged several messages before agreeing to meet for drinks later that day at her apartment.
At around 6:15 p.m., the victim met Cano downstairs. Police said she escorted him to the apartment.
The victim told investigators he was admiring the view from the balcony when two unknown women came out of a bedroom. Authorities allege Cano and the two women then began demanding money from him.
The man reportedly shouted that he did not have any money.
Victim Says Women Blocked Him From Leaving
Police said the women prevented the victim from exiting the apartment after he told them he had no cash.
When he tried to leave, a struggle broke out. During the altercation, the women allegedly told him he was “going to pay.”
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim’s chain was forcibly pulled from his neck during the struggle. He managed to keep the chain itself, but a gold cross pendant worth about $300 was taken.
Victim Escaped and Called Police
The victim was eventually able to open the apartment door and escape while screaming for help. He later contacted law enforcement.
On May 1, investigators showed him a six-photo lineup. Police said the victim positively identified Cano.
Cano was arrested on May 4 at the condo complex and taken to police headquarters for questioning.
Cano Denies Robbery Allegations
Police said Cano was read her Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators without an attorney present.
According to the complaint, Cano admitted she initiated the meeting with the victim but denied involvement in the robbery and false imprisonment.
She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Court records show she was appointed a public defender and entered a not guilty plea. A judge also ordered her to stay away from the victim.
To view more cases involving social media meetups and shocking robbery allegations, check out our video here:
