Father, son kidnap car salesmen after Mercedes mishap
Insets, from left: Brandon Garcia and Oscar Garcia-Berrios (Broward County Jail). Background: Car Express Florida in Hollywood, Florida (Google Maps).
Hollywood, FL — Police in Florida have arrested a father and son who allegedly kidnapped two car salesmen at gunpoint over a dispute involving a Mercedes-Benz purchase.
Oscar Garcia-Berrios, 50, and Brandon Garcia, 23, now face charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. According to a Broward County Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, deputies responded around 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 to a RaceTrac gas station in Hollywood, where they encountered the suspects and the two victims.
Investigators say the conflict began after the pair purchased a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz for $37,000 two days prior. They were scheduled to finalize paperwork at the Car Express Florida office in Pompano Beach on Nov. 28. According to the affidavit, Garcia received a text from one of the salesmen regarding a temporary tag, which he reportedly misinterpreted as an attempt to cheat them.
When the father and son arrived at the dealership, the affidavit states that they demanded the car title be transferred immediately and requested a temporary tag. When the salesmen said additional documentation was needed, Brandon Garcia allegedly brandished an AR-15-style rifle while his father drew a handgun.
The affidavit alleges that Garcia demanded a refund for the vehicle, warning he was “not playing any games.” During the encounter, a third man present reportedly disarmed one of the salesmen, and the victims expressed fear for their lives.
The suspects allegedly began taking items from the dealership, including temporary tags, a money counter, and vehicle registration documents. After roughly 40 minutes, deputies say the suspects forced the victims into their vehicle at gunpoint, with Garcia-Berrios in the lead and his son following in the Mercedes, while the third suspect trailed in an SUV. One of the victims secretly texted family members, who contacted authorities.
The victims directed the suspects to the RaceTrac station to meet their manager, alerting family members to their location so deputies could respond. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly recovered a backpack containing an AR-15 and a phone, as well as a handgun belonging to Garcia-Berrios.
Both suspects remain in Broward County Jail without bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
About Post Author
