Jean Mirabal's attempt to buy a car couldn't have been a bigger disaster. After purchasing a Toyota 4Runner a friend had seen a for sale sign in at a gas station, Mirabal went to register the car at a tag agency only to find out that the car had been reported as stolen.
Two days later the car was in turn stolen from Mirabal's home.
Police however have an invaluable piece of evidence that may help them solve the crime: A selfie Mirabal's father took when they purchased the car that showed the man he bought it from in he background.
According to a press release, Mirabal's friend saw the car for sale at a gas station on N.W. 41st St. and N.W. 97th Ave. Mirabal's father and brother went to go check the car out, and agreed with the seller to purchase it for $3,500.
The two partied than agreed to complete the transaction at a parking lot at S.W. 88th St. and S.W. 137th Ave.
To celebrate, Mirabal's father Jose took a selfie with the car.
On August 23rd, Mirabal went to register the car only to find out it had been reported as being stolen from Hialeah, and then the car went missing from his own home two days later.
It turns out that the elder Mirabal's father had captured the man he had bought it from in the background of his selfie.
"During the transaction, Mr. Jose Mirabal took a picture of himself (selfie) capturing the subject's image in the background," reads the press release.
Police were then able to obtain surveillance footage from the parking lot to find other images of the man.
Though, police have not yet found the man and are asking for the public help. Anyone with information is asked to call (305)471-TIPS (8477) or visit crimestoppersmiami.com.
