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Miami, FL--A Miami-based jeweler, York Valdes, believes his high-profile social media presence may have played a role in a home invasion that left him, his pregnant wife, and young daughter held hostage for hours. The incident, which occurred around midnight on March 13, involved three armed burglars who ambushed Valdes in his front yard before forcing their way into his home, per a report by KOLO, citing information from WPLG and CNN Newsource.

[Representative image via istockphoto.com]

Valdes, who operates two jewelry stores in Miami-Dade County, has built a significant following on Instagram and TikTok, where he regularly showcases high-value pieces. According to WPLG, Valdes suspects that the burglars may have tracked his movements online, noting that he often posts about his home, vehicles, and even a distinctive life-size statue of Saint Lazarus outside his property.

Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Samantha Choon stated that the intruders held the family at gunpoint in one room while two of the men searched the home. The suspects reportedly stole jewelry, clothing, and Valdes' white Cadillac SUV. "There were no injuries, and we are fortunate for that; but this was a scary situation," Choon told WPLG.

Valdes later shared on TikTok that the ordeal lasted at least five hours and that the assailants threatened to kidnap his daughter. "The biggest fear of my life is that something would happen to my daughter," he wrote in Spanish. He also acknowledged that the incident has made him reconsider how much he shares online, calling it a "lesson" to scale back his social media activity.

As per KOLO, Valdes noted that he rarely brings valuable inventory home, highlighting that the targeted watch was an exception. Law enforcement is investigating, and authorities are seeking any information that could lead to the suspects' identification.

Learn more in this news report.