Car dealer jailed for using gun to reclaim sold car in finance dispute

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A Miramar car dealer turned carjacker was sentenced to eight years for using a gun to steal a vehicle soon after he sold it.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in October 2023, 59-year-old Erik Hadad’s car dealership, Guru Auto Sales in Miramar sold a salvaged 2020 Honda Accord to a 24-year-old Haitian immigrant.

The sale terms required the victim to pay $30,000 over five years at an annual 24.22% interest rate, according to the release.

Guru Auto closed the deal and sold the loan to a finance company; but, the finance company was allowed to clawback its lump sum to Guru Auto if the buyer was late on either of his first two payments.

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When the victim was late on his first payment, the finance company enforced the clawback, demanding $13,800 and informing the dealer he had no legal right to the car, and could not demand payment from the buyer or repossess the car until the money was paid back in full.

Five days after the clawback demand, on December 19, Hadad began to stake out the victim’s home. Hadad then followed the victim to his job at Miami International Airport, tailgating him in his BMW.

When the cars reached a red light, Hadad exited his car and ripped the Honda’s temporary paper tag off, yelling at the victim to get out of his car.

The victim drove away, however, Hadad followed.

When the chase reached the train station, Hadad approached the victim flashing a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol and demanding he forfeit his key and the car.

The victim surrendered his vehicle and called police who arrested Hadad on-scene.

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