Deputies say a store employee was targeted with an unknown liquid before investigators identified Sean Edward Uribe from surveillance footage.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A 37-year-old man has been arrested after Miami-Dade sheriff’s investigators said a Ross Dress for Less employee was subjected to an alleged battery inside the store and sprayed with an unknown liquid.
Sean Edward Uribe was taken into custody Monday in connection with the mid-August incident at the Ross store at 13780 Southwest 56th Street, also known as Miller Drive. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said surveillance video and a witness identification helped detectives identify Uribe. He faces a battery charge, and records cited by local news organizations show he also faces a probation violation.
Authorities said the victim was working in the store when another employee noticed a man moving around the area and watching her. Investigators said the witness later saw the man position himself behind the employee and allegedly spray a substance onto the back of her clothing before leaving the store. The substance has been sent for testing, according to NBC6, which reported that deputies believe it was consistent with bodily fluid.
There is a discrepancy among local reports about the date of the incident. CBS Miami and NBC6, citing sheriff’s officials, reported that it occurred Aug. 17. Local10, also citing the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and an arrest report, placed the incident on Aug. 14. The reports agree on the store location and the allegations that led to Uribe’s arrest.
Investigators said a witness later selected Uribe from a photo lineup. NBC6 reported that detectives also recognized him while reviewing surveillance footage because of previous investigations involving similar allegations. Uribe was arrested while reporting to a probation and parole office, according to the station.
Miami-Dade sheriff’s Detective Diego Mendoza said investigators were already familiar with Uribe. The sheriff’s office has described him as a repeat offender and said he has previous battery convictions. NBC6 and CBS Miami reported that Mendoza said his research showed three previous battery convictions, while Local10 reported that a records check showed two prior battery convictions. The differing totals were not immediately reconciled in the reports.
Uribe invoked his right to remain silent after his arrest, according to investigators. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer set his bond at $10,000 and ordered him to have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim. Local10 reported Friday that Uribe would remain at the Metrowest Detention Center until appearing before a division judge.
The sheriff’s office said detectives are investigating whether there may be other people who experienced similar encounters. Authorities have not publicly announced the results of testing on the substance involved in the latest case, and the allegations against Uribe have not been proven in court.
Author note: Last updated August 29, 2026.