Ariel Collazo, a 23-year-old man from Tamarac, Florida, was found dead on November 13, 2020, in Pompano Beach. His death was the result of a gunshot wound, discovered in a car that had been stolen during a carjacking in Boca Raton earlier that day. The carjacking occurred around 1 a.m. in a parking garage at Mizner Park, an upscale area known for its high-end shops and restaurants.
The stolen vehicle, a black Cadillac, was tracked by Boca Raton police and Broward Sheriff's Office deputies to the 1100 block of Northwest 18th Drive in Pompano Beach. Upon arrival, deputies found Collazo deceased in the driver's seat with a loaded firearm in the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that Collazo was not the victim of the carjacking but was instead found dead in the stolen car. The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 20-year-old Alex Exantus from North Lauderdale, fled the scene but was later apprehended in a nearby apartment complex. Exantus was charged in connection with another carjacking that occurred the previous night in North Lauderdale. The circumstances surrounding Collazo's death remain under investigation by Broward Sheriff's Office homicide detectives.
Collazo's death has raised numerous questions among his family and the community. His cousin described him as someone who was always smiling and trying to do right by his mother. Collazo had a past criminal record, including arrests for attempted robbery and burglary. Despite this, his family was shocked by the tragic end to his life, especially given that he was found with a gun, which they claimed he did not possess.
The investigation into Collazo's death is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The medical examiner's office is tasked with determining the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, Exantus faces legal proceedings for his involvement in the carjacking incidents. The case has highlighted concerns about rising crime rates in the area, particularly in places like Mizner Park, which are typically considered safe and affluent.
