A 64-year-old Miami man was arrested on Monday after allegedly forcing his way into a tenant’s flat and assaulting the 70-year-old resident over a rent dispute. Robert Hobaico is facing several felony charges, including burglary with assault or battery, strong-arm robbery, and battery on a person 65 or older.
The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on April 6, 2026, in a home at 8885 SW 27th St. According to an arrest document from the Miami-Dade Police Department, Hobaico is the victim’s landlord, and she sublets a room with a private entrance. According to reports, the argument began when Hobaico arrived at the victim’s door to demand rent payments that were past due.
The victim informed authorities that when Hobaico approached, he was standing just inside his entryway with the door half open. The interaction immediately turned into a heated verbal battle. According to the arrest complaint, Hobaico then shoved the victim back and entered the flat without permission or invitation.
Once inside the house, Hobaico allegedly grabbed the victim by the shoulders and punched him several times in the abdomen. According to the affidavit, Hobaico clung onto the victim and refused to let go during the assault. During the battle, the victim tried to call 911 with his mobile. Hobaico allegedly took the victim’s device, effectively stopping him from calling for help.
The altercation continued outside the apartment, where Hobaico eventually dropped the phone to the ground. The guy was eventually able to free himself, retrieve his phone, and successfully dial 911. Officers saw that the victim had scratches on his neck and torso, as well as a stretched and torn T-shirt.
Following his detention, Hobaico gave police a statement stating the victim was the aggressor. Hobaico told detectives that the victim attacked him, knocked him to the ground, and forced him to defend himself. He said the victim dropped the phone during the altercation and that he returned it before returning to his own home to call 911 himself.
As part of the formal inquiry, investigators studied both men’s 911 calls. According to the affidavit, the victim’s testimony matched the recorded evidence, however Hobaico’s version did not. According to police, Hobaico had no obvious injuries as a result of the event.
Hobaico appeared in bail court Tuesday morning and is being jailed on immigration charges.
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