Miami’s Nightlife Targets: Notorious Duo Apprehended in $176,000 Luxury Watch Robbery Spree
MIAMI, FL – A crime spree targeting patrons adorned with high-end timepieces outside exclusive nightclubs in Miami and Miami Beach has come to an abrupt halt. Authorities have announced the arrests of Dwight Gustave, 30, and Adria Banks, 41, a duo linked to a series of armed robberies that saw over $176,000 in stolen Rolex and Audemars Piguet watches, alongside a substantial sum of cash, recovered by police. This significant development is a leading headline across local news outlets, shining a light on a disturbing trending pattern of luxury item theft in the Miami area.
The arrests, which took place on Monday, August 18th or 19th, 2025, followed an intensive multi-agency investigation. Police confirmed that Gustave and Banks are responsible for at least four armed robberies across Miami Beach and Miami, preying on individuals displaying valuable watches. Their apprehension marks a crucial victory for law enforcement aiming to curb such audacious acts of crime in South Florida’s vibrant nightlife districts.
Calculated Surveillance and Violent Confrontations
Investigators have detailed a calculated and chilling modus operandi employed by Gustave and Banks. The duo meticulously surveilled their unsuspecting victims, typically wealthy individuals leaving popular nightclubs such as Space and LIV in both Miami and Miami Beach. Once a target was identified, they would follow them to their residences or hotels, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. According to police, Banks, 41, often served as the getaway driver, while Gustave, 30, was the primary aggressor. Often concealed by a mask or hoodie, Gustave would confront the victims at gunpoint, forcibly taking their high-value watches and other possessions.
The brazen nature of these robberies left victims in fear for their lives, highlighting the dangerous precision with which the pair operated. Miami Beach Police Spokesperson Christopher Bess emphasized that these individuals specifically targeted those with high-end watches, demonstrating a clear focus on luxury items. The detailed planning, from pre-robbery surveillance to the swift execution of the theft, underscored the experience of the perpetrators.
The Recovery: A Staggering Haul and Lingering Questions
Following the arrests, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dwight Gustave’s residence in Miami Gardens. The search yielded a remarkable recovery of stolen property exceeding $176,000 in value. Among the recovered items were a Rolex Sky-Dweller watch estimated at $20,000, an Audemars Piguet Skeleton watch valued at approximately $140,000, and $16,400 in U.S. currency. Detectives also found clothing and a ski mask at the residence that matched items seen on surveillance footage of the robberies, further solidifying the case against the duo.
The investigation has linked Gustave and Banks to several specific incidents. One notable case involved the theft of a $60,000 Audemars Piguet Skeleton watch. In another harrowing incident, the pair followed a couple home from a Miami club to the Venetian Causeway in Miami Beach, robbing them of a purse and a watch reportedly valued at $250,000. Furthermore, two music producers visiting from Texas were targeted after leaving LIV Nightclub. They had their watches stolen, and one victim was pistol-whipped. An earlier robbery on the 1800 block of Collins Avenue also saw an $18,000 Rolex stolen. Surveillance video from an August 3rd incident, captured around 4:30 AM, even showed Gustave engaging in a physical altercation before robbing a victim, providing critical evidence for investigators.
Extensive Criminal Histories Unveiled
Both Dwight Gustave and Adria Banks are far from strangers to the criminal justice system, possessing extensive rap sheets that paint a picture of repeat offending. Gustave, who had previously been arrested by Miami Beach Police in 2020 for other robbery-related crimes, had served a five-year prison sentence and was only released in May, just months before this latest crime spree began. His swift return to high-stakes robbery underscores a persistent pattern of criminal behavior.
Banks, too, has a significant criminal background. She was already on probation for high-end jewelry thefts totaling over $500,000 prior to her recent arrest. Her alleged role as the getaway driver in these armed watch robberies constitutes a clear violation of her probation.
Gustave is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, facing multiple counts of armed robbery. Banks, arrested in Broward County, is facing numerous charges, including burglary, grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, probation violation, and driving with a suspended license. The strong emphasis by law enforcement on their “repeat offender” status highlights the challenge of deterring career criminals.
A Collaborative Crackdown and Call for More Victims
The successful apprehension of Gustave and Banks was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Miami Beach Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, the City of Miami Police Department, and the Miami-Dade and Broward Sheriff’s Offices. Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones commended the collaborative investigative work, stating that it highlights the vigilance and professionalism of the detectives involved. Chief Jones reiterated his department’s commitment to identifying and apprehending those who come to Miami Beach with criminal intent.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. The Miami Beach Police Department is urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted by Gustave or Banks to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. This appeal is crucial for ensuring that all victims receive justice and that the full scope of the duo’s criminal activities is uncovered.
Miami’s Ongoing Battle with Luxury Crime
The arrests of Gustave and Banks come amidst a trending concern over luxury watch robberies in the Miami metropolitan area. Recent news reports have detailed various other incidents, some involving different modus operandi such as seduction and drugging, or even a hospital worker allegedly stealing a patient’s Rolex. This ongoing string of high-value thefts has placed a spotlight on the vulnerability of individuals wearing expensive items in public and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to combat these sophisticated criminal enterprises. The swift action in this Miami case sends a strong message that criminal activity, especially that targeting residents and visitors, will be met with resolute police response.
