South Florida Standard

UM Football Player Robbed at Gunpoint in Florida City

Defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald was targeted while attending a party at an Airbnb, according to police investigating the armed robbery incident.

2 min read Florida City, Coral Gables, Homestead
UM Football Player Robbed at Gunpoint in Florida City

University of Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald was robbed at gunpoint while attending a party at an Airbnb in Florida City, police confirmed.

The incident occurred as Fitzgerald, a member of the Hurricanes football team, was among guests at the rental property when armed suspects targeted him during the robbery.

Florida City Police are actively investigating the case, though details about the suspects or what was taken during the robbery have not been released. The department has not announced any arrests in connection with the incident.

Fitzgerald’s status with the team and whether the robbery will impact his participation in upcoming activities remains unclear. The University of Miami has not issued a public statement regarding the incident involving their player.

The robbery adds to concerns about player safety for local college football programs. The Hurricanes, like other South Florida sports programs, regularly emphasize security awareness with their athletes, particularly during off-campus activities.

Florida City, located in Miami-Dade County south of Miami proper, sits between Homestead and the entrance to the Florida Keys. The area has seen various criminal incidents over the years, though armed robberies targeting college athletes remain relatively uncommon.

For Fitzgerald, who has been part of the Hurricanes defensive backfield, the incident comes during what should be a focused period for the football program. The timing raises questions about how the university will address security protocols for players attending off-campus gatherings.

The investigation remains active as Florida City Police work to identify the suspects involved in the armed robbery. Anyone with information about the incident has been encouraged to contact local authorities.

Police have not provided a timeline for when additional details might be released, nor have they indicated whether other party attendees were targeted or if Fitzgerald was specifically chosen by the robbers.

The Hurricanes football program, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has dealt with various off-field incidents involving players over the years. How the university responds to this latest incident involving one of their defensive backs will likely depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on Fitzgerald’s well-being and ensuring the safety of other University of Miami student-athletes. The incident serves as a reminder of the security challenges facing college athletes in South Florida, where high-profile players can become targets for criminal activity.

Florida City Police continue their investigation into the armed robbery, working to bring those responsible to justice while the University of Miami community rallies around their affected player.