On June 18, 2008 at 1848 hours, Coral Gables police communications dispatched an armed robbery at 2600 Douglas Road (Bank of America). A subject had just used a shotgun to commit a robbery of an individual at the ATM. The description of the subject and his vehicle was broadcast to all police units. Within one minute of that broadcast Officer Dickinson spotted a vehicle matching the description provided (a tan colored Jeep with dark tinted windows) driving south on Douglas road at 28th street. An attempt to stop the vehicle was conducted when back-up units arrived in the area. After being surrounded the subject pulled over and a felony stop was conducted.

Upon further investigation, three separate witnesses were brought to the scene of the traffic stop and positively identified the individual that Officer Dickinson had stopped. Additionally, a shotgun and mask were located inside the vehicle.

Upon searching the defendant, a wallet was discovered on his person belonging to the victim of another armed robbery that had occurred in the City of Miami earlier in the day. The defendant had held up that victim at gunpoint just several hours earlier.

The shotgun used in these crimes had been stolen in a burglary that had occurred in Miami-Dade county several weeks ago.

As a result of his efforts, Officer Dickinson apprehended a violent felon who had committed two armed robberies in the same day using a stolen firearm and recovered property taken from the victims of these crimes. He is most deserving of the Officer of the Month Award for this case as well as for his continual hard work and tremendous skills as a patrolman.

On October 4th, 2006, victim Enrique Plasenci filed a police report in reference to two mortgage frauds and identity theft. The victim stated someone stole the identity of a property owner who owned property in the Sweetwater area. Two loans were requested on those properties totaling $481,500.00 dollars. The closing on the loans took place with-in the City of Coral Gables. These loans were disbursed and the funds were transferred into an account in which the subject opened with the victim’s identity. The funds were later wire transferred out of the fraudulent accounts and into various other accounts throughout the United States and Spain.

Using his investigative skills and talents, Detective Garcia traced the funds through different wire transfers and identified the subject who was receiving most of the proceeds. Throughout the entire course of the investigation, Detective Garcia provided all of the acquired information to the Miami-Dade County Mortgage Fraud Task Force. As a result, task force detectives discovered that the same subject that Detective Garcia identified was also involved in numerous other mortgage frauds throughout the county. Losses from this illegal activity are conservatively estimated to total at least one million dollars.

Detective Garcia organized all of the evidence and made an excellent presentation to the State Attorney’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office was impressed with Detective Garcia’s thoroughness and immediately issued an arrest warrant for the subject. The subject was located at his Coral Gables residence and arrested.

Several weeks ago a rash of vehicle burglaries were occurring on the midnight shift in the area of patrol zones 4 and 6. During this time, Officer Perez obtained information from a street level informant that some of these crimes were being committed by a person known only as “Jelly”. A physical description was obtained as well. The information also indicated that Jelly was stealing electronics from vehicles and selling them somewhere in the area of Southwest 8th street and 32nd avenue. Officer Perez and other midnight shift officers attempted on numerous occasions to locate Jelly with no success.

On April 15, 2008 at 0100 hours, Officer Perez observed an individual at the 400 block of Rosario acting suspiciously behind several closed businesses wearing gloves and riding a bicycle. Based on a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity was afoot, Officer Perez stopped this individual to investigate further. At that time, a citizen immediately approached Officer Perez in a vehicle and stated that the individual he had stopped had just broken into a vehicle a couple of blocks away in the City of Miami. Coordinated efforts with the City of Miami Police revealed that a nearby vehicle had been broken into in their jurisdiction however they were unable at the time to proceed with charges.

Officer Perez proceeded with his investigation and determined that this individual was loitering and prowling and furthermore was in possession of drug paraphernalia, two illegal knives, and a stolen cell phone taken during the theft of a purse at the University of Miami several weeks earlier (08-2355). The victim in that case was contacted and the stolen property was subsequently returned.

The individual that Officer Perez had stopped was Jelly, otherwise known as Willie Hudson. Mr. Hudson is a signal 400 career criminal with an extensive criminal history that includes 1st degree murder. This self-initiated stop took a violent career criminal off of the streets of Coral Gables that evening.

Furthermore, this is the second arrest this month that Officer Perez has made of an individual who has a criminal history including 1st degree murder.

On Saturday, March 8th, 2008, while working a burglary detail with the use of our unmarked police vehicle, Officer Thomas observed a black male subject walking through the parking lot located on the 1400 block of Madruga Avenue at approximately 0200 hours. The subject appeared to be talking on his cellular phone while looking around in a manner to see if anyone was watching him. The subject approached the unmarked vehicle and attempted to look through the dark tinted windows. The subject then continued to the vehicle that was parked behind the unmarked police vehicle and attempted to open both the driver and passenger door by pulling on the handles. The vehicle belonged to the Sound Component Store. The subject then proceeded to the vehicle that was parked next to the Sound Component Store vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door by pulling on the door handle. The subject was unsuccessful on both occasions. The subject then walked to the 1500 block of S. Dixie Hwy and attempted to open the Subway’s rear door which was locked. The subject then proceeded to the Cingular store and continued to attempt to gain entry by pulling on the door handle. The subject later walked to the front portion of the strip mall and attempted to gain entry to several businesses. At that time, Officer Thomas approached the subject and took him into custody. During the booking process, Officer Thomas discovered a small Ecstasy pill in the subject’s wallet. Officer Thomas charged the subject with L&P and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. This subject’s intension was to commit a burglary and without Officer Thomas’ actions, the subject may have been successful in committing a burglary.

While working in unmarked patrol detail, reference recent burglaries both to business and vehicles in the area between Ponce De Leon Blvd and LeJeune Rd and South of Bird Road, Officer Scott Selent was able to locate and arrest an offender of a vehicle burglary.

The following is an account of what occurred: while on patrol he observed a black male walking through the business district in the early morning hours. He stopped the individual to see what he was doing in the area, the individual immediately tried to conceal the items he was carrying. The officer called for additional units to check the area for burglaries of any businesses or vehicles in the area. Officers responded and located two vehicles had been broken into.

Officer Scott Selent investigated further as to the items the individual was carrying; he discovered broken glass in one of the bags, which was later determined to be from one of the vehicles burglarized. Search incident to arrest of the individual revealed he had glass on his person located in his socks and shoes.

One of the victims was able to positively identify his property that the offender had in his possession.

Officer V. Zaccheo (in photo) and Detective K. Reinoso are nominated for the work performed during case number 08-00437 in which three (3) subjects were charged and arrested for trafficking in cocaine and money laundering in the City of Coral Gables.

On January 16th, 2008 while on routine patrol, Officer Zaccheo using his keen observational skills observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction. Once the vehicle was stopped, as Officer Zaccheo approached he could smell an odor of marijuana emitting from with in the vehicle. Officer Zaccheo using his communicational skills convinced the subject to cooperate and obtained consent to search the vehicle. During the search, a small amount of marijuana was discovered and eventually impounded. Officer Zaccheo also discovered that the subject is currently on probation. The subject advised that he would give up his supplier and cooperate fully. Officer Zaccheo contacted the Vice Intelligence Narcotics Unit via chain of command and advised of the situation.

Detective Reinoso responded and interviewed the subject using his excellent R.E.A.D. techniques. Subject broke-down and agreed to cooperate fully. Several taped phone calls were made to a local drug supplier that operates throughout the Dade County area to include Coral Gables. Detective Reinoso in an undercover capacity posing as a buyer for the cocaine convinced the drug dealer to meet at a parking lot located at Phillips Park. Detective Reinoso initiated and completed the operational plan for the deal to be completed with minimal risks involved. Detective Reinoso also was able to identify the main drug supplier from minimal information given via his exceptional research capabilities.

Several hours later Detective Reinoso met with the drug dealer and using his undercover training, convinced the dealer to exchange the buy-money for the two (2) ounces of cocaine. Once the transaction was consummated a pre-determine take-down signal was given by Detective Reinoso and three (3) subjects were placed into custody without incident.

Officer of the Year For 2007 Gordon Dickenson

Gordon is a proactive police officer that not only excelled at his duties as a K-9 officer but has also been productive in all areas as a Coral Gables Police Officer. In summary Gordon made 17 arrests, wrote 13 parking citations, 525 traffic citations, one warning and one DUI citation. These numbers clearly shows an officer who is dedicated to his profession.

An Officer who constantly produces throughout the year is definitely deserving of this nomination; however, Gordon has distinguished himself not only in his Division but has been an exceptional source of information for the Special Investigations Section. As a result of Gordon's hard work on the streets of Coral Gables, he was able to provide valuable information in reference to narcotics sales and distribution within the city. One case that stands out is the information that Gordon provided reference narcotic sales occurring at a City Park in the north end of the city. Based on Gordon's information the subject was arrested and marijuana was seized. This is a clear example of the Officer going beyond his basic duties as a K-9 Officer.

Besides the above mentioned case, Gordon has provided SIS with a number of Intelligence Reports which proved to be valuable information.

In addition to Gordon's high work ethic, Gordon is a pleasant CGPD officer who carries himself in a professional manner. Gordon is always eager to assist on any scene and he portrays a friendly demeanor. Gordon has always worked hard during his tenure here at CGPD, but his well rounded productivity during 2007 is well deserving of the distinguished Officer of the Year award.

In closing the men and women of City of Coral Gables Police Department all deserve the recognition and respect for their hard work. When I think of the Officer of the Year award, I think of an officer who not only did one special deed or made one great arrest but one who has distinguished himself or herself throughout the year. -Chief Hammerschmidt

Between December 5th and the 6th 2007, a Coral Gables Police Department (CGPD) confidential source gave Detective Alain Campos a phone number to a local supplier of MDMA and other dangerous drugs. This supplier is a major supply of MDMA to many young students and nightclubs throughout the South Florida community.

Detective Campos arranged for the Confidential Source and an undercover officer to meet the subject in the parking lot of the McDonalds located at 1148 South Dixie Hwy. Detective Campos using his newly acquired narcotics investigative techniques was able to identify the subject prior to the deal and convince the subject to transport the negotiated sale of MDMA to the jurisdiction of the City of Coral Gables. Detective Campos used excellent communication and written skills throughout the investigation. Upon consummating the deal, two subjects were arrested and a vehicle seized.

Detective Campos demonstrated an exemplary professional demeanor and made sound judgments throughout this case. Due to this detective’s diligent efforts during the course of this investigation, dangerous amounts of illegal controlled substances which are constantly consumed by our youths throughout our community, were seized and eradicated from being used. The effects of these controlled substances are closely associated with violent crimes, including rape and battery etc…

Detective Campos’s professionalism and diligence is helping to prevent any future crimes from happening in our community.

During the week of November 12 – 16, 2007, the Crimes Against Property Unit voluntarily adjusted their worksheet schedule to address a significant increase in property crimes that were occurring during the midnight hours. Specifically, November 14, 2007 at 0130 hours while patrolling in his unmarked vehicle in zone 203, Detective Salcedo observed a black male run northbound from what appeared to be the rear of a residence located in the 1000 block of Sorolla Avenue.

The unknown black male sprinted through a darkened vacant lot and emerged again in the 1000 block of Milan Avenue. Having observed this action, Detective Salcedo located the unknown black male walking in the residential area. Det. Salcedo initiated contact with the black male who was later identified as Corey Antonio Dailey. When questioned, Mr. Dailey could not explain his presence in the area except that he was dropped off by a bus and was attempting to locate his mother’s house. Mr. Dailey failed to dispel Det Salcedo’s concern for the neighborhood or offer a justifiable explanation for being in the area. Mr. Dailey was then arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed that Mr. Dailey was in possession of a camouflage glove.

On November 16, 2007 at approximately 1257 a.m., Det. Salcedo was traveling southbound on LeJeune Rd when he observed a tan Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra 4-D parked on Menendez near the Stop and Shop on Lejeune Rd. The vehicle contained three subjects inside of the vehicle with the engine still running. Detective Salcedo then observed two occupants of the vehicle exit the car and observed them walk behind the businesses. Detective Salcedo quickly called for assistance because of the suspicious behavior the subjects were demonstrating.

Det. Salcedo continued conducting his surveillance, one subject stayed by the vehicle with the trunk and rear doors opened. He also noticed the other two subjects returned back to the awaiting vehicle and he conducted a traffic stop with other detectives. Detective Salcedo activated his emergency lights and sirens and a traffic stop was conducted. One subject fled the scene immediately and was later apprehended by a perimeter and K-9 units.

The other two subjects were arrested without incident. The search incident to arrest revealed a stolen handgun taken from a burglary from, a stolen parking decal from the University of Miami, a Gateway computer with software, a Tomtom GPS System, 12.7 grams of suspected Marijuana, a black wig, two pairs of gloves, and $409.00 dollars in cash.

Further investigation by Det. Salcedo revealed that on of the offenders was planning on robbing the Stop and Shop located on the 4900 Blk of Lejeune Rd.

Lieutenant Paul Miyares

On October 21, 2007, the Miami Dade Police Department issued a city wide B.O.L.O. for suspected robbery subjects involved in a crime just outside of our city’s western border.

Lt Miyares took it upon himself to actively look for the subjects. Following good investigative techniques, Lt. Miyares discovered a vehicle that closely resembled the B.O.L.O. issued by the Miami Dade Police Department. Rather than hastily encountering the offenders, Lt. Miyares clearly and concisely directed dispatch as to his location and direction of travel. This allowed officers to plot their course of action as they headed towards Lt. Miyares’ location.

Once the officers were in place, Lt. Miyares initiated a high risk traffic stop and arrested the subjects of the vehicle with out incident.

The subjects were identified as the robbery subjects in the B.O.L.O. issued by the Miami Dade Police Department. Lt. Miyares is commended for his keen observation and tactical direction.

Sergeant Thomas Carrigan

On September 21, 2007, at approximately 1:36 pm, Sergeant Carrigan was traveling southbound on Old Cutler Rd., when he observed a gold Chevy Impala trying to intentionally run a Toyota Corolla off the road. The Impala was finally able to run the car off the road. The Toyota Corolla went on reverse and began heading northbound on Old Cutler Rd, towards Sergeant Carrigan. The driver immediately pulled up next to Sergeant Carrigan and advised him that the driver of the Impala was her baby’s father and he was trying to strike her with his car. Sergeant Carrigan activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the offender. Sergeant Carrigan was able to apprehend the subject at the parking lot of Tropical Fairchild Garden. An investigation revealed that the subject was armed with a pocket knife and did not have a driver’s license. The vehicle had also been reported stolen.

Detective Alvin Maestre

Detective Maestre was recently assigned to the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force. This is multi-agency task force that primarily focuses on individuals involved in laundering illicit money. This assignment requires an extraordinary amount of patience and commitment on the part of the members of the task force. It involves long hours of surveillance and quick thinking to effectively investigate targets involved in this legal activity.

On August 1st, 2007, that patience and commitment paid off in an enormous way and lead to the third largest seizure in the history of the Strike Force, totaling approximately $2,420,618.00 in US currency.

Detective Maestre took the lead role in approaching a suspected residence where a large amount of money was stored. Detective Maestre quickly established a rapport with the homeowner and was able to obtain consent to enter and search the residence. During that search several duffle bags and luggage were discovered with the illicit currency.

Officer Robert Wright

On 7/25/07, at approximately 1600 hrs, a landscaper was working at the 1500 blk of Mendavia  Av. While standing next to his work truck, the victim was approached by three black males, one of which was armed with a revolver. While one offender held him at gunpoint, the other two removed several pieces of machinery from the rear of the trailer. The offenders then fled in a dark colored Hummer H2 and a B.O.L.O. (Be on the Look Out)was issued for the vehicle.

Officer Wright, while on routine patrol, observed a vehicle matching that of the B.O.L.O., leaving the area of School House Rd and Sunset. Officer Wright noted that there were several pieces of heavy equipment visible from the rear of the vehicle and that it was occupied by two black males. Officer Wright relayed this information to dispatch and initiated a felony traffic stop of the vehicle at the 400 blk of South Dixie Hwy. The subjects were detained and positively identified by the victim. The victim also identified the property that was taken from him. Thanks to the actions of Officer Wright, the two offenders were subsequently arrested for armed robbery and the victim was able to recover his property.

On May 29, 2007, Officer Cruz was conducting a self-initiated traffic detail at the block of 600 of Coral Way. Officer Cruz observed a traffic violation and proceeded to make a traffic stop on a 2001 Dodge. Upon making contact with the driver, he failed to produce a valid driver’s license. Records check revealed that the driver’s license was suspended. Officer Cruz conducted inventory on the vehicle, he then observed twelve (12) pounds of marijuana in a glad trash bag located in the trunk of the vehicle. The estimated value of the marijuana was $50,000.00. The driver was arrested and transported to the Coral Gables Police Department. The SIS Unit was contacted and interviewed the driver (his information is pending the investigation).

Officer Cruz routinely conducts proactive detail and is an outstanding officer. Officer Cruz’ monthly stats were 2 arrests, 31 citations, 37 traffic stops and 16 reports written. Due to Officers Cruz’ excellent police work, he was able to apprehend a drug dealer.

After a BOLO, in reference to shoplifting at the Village of Merrick Park, was issued on April 1, 2007, Officer Cramer headed in the area in order to search for the subject vehicle. During an area search, Officer Cramer identified a vehicle fitting the description and conducted a traffic stop on this vehicle occupied by multiple subjects. Officer Cramer’s initial investigation was thorough and eventually yielded the identification and arrest of an individual who heads a large scale retail theft ring.

The daily efforts of officers like Officer Cramer cannot be allowed to fade into the background as these efforts are the catalysts to the positive outcomes of follow up investigations. Officer Cramer patrols his zone assignment on a daily basis without exception and for his outstanding performance on this particular day he is deserving of this recognition.

Officer Aleman was nominated for Officer of the Month because of his excellent statistics during the month of April (3 felony arrests, 7 misdemeanor arrests and 33 citations issued). Also Officer Aleman wrote 6 reports in addition to his 10 arrests for a total of 16 incidents handled in April. Officer Aleman also continues to mentor new officers through his duties as an F.T.O.

On April 14, 2007, Officer Aleman observed a white male subject leaving a closed construction site. Officer Aleman stopped the subject, and noticed he was carrying a black nylon bag around his waist. Officer Aleman confirmed that the bag was a firearm carrier and the subject was carrying a gun. Officer Aleman learned that the subject did not have a concealed firearms permit and placed the subject under arrest.

On April 25, 2007, Officer Aleman observed a Dodge SUV run a red light north bound on South Dixie Highway at the intersection of Augusto Street. While conducting a traffic stop Officer Aleman determined that the driver was D.U.I. and placed him under arrest. The driver had five suspensions and no drivers license in the state of Florida. Also, a search revealed a marijuana cigarette and two white pills in a plastic baggy.

On April 28, 2007, Officer Aleman attempted a traffic stop at 1200 block of South Dixie Highway on a speeding vehicle. The vehicle stopped for the traffic light at the intersection of South Dixie Hwy and LeJeune Rd but the driver refused to exit his vehicle. The driver continued north on South Dixie Hwy after the traffic light turned green. Officer Aleman continued to follow the vehicle until it ran out of gas. The driver refused again to exit the vehicle. Later, a search revealed a Taurus Millennium .40 caliber handgun that was accessible to the driver. A record check revealed that he was a career criminal, convicted felon and was driving on a suspended license.

Sergeant Hill has established that his unit, including himself, patrol in unmarked vehicles in Zone 3 in references to several burglaries to residences and vehicles in the area.

On April 2, 2007, Sergeant Hill was on patrol in Zone 3 and observed a vehicle turn west bound onto Milan Avenue from El Rado Street. The vehicle then pulled over onto the city swale. Sergeant Hill observed the driver and passenger of the vehicle switch places. Sergeant Hill made eye contact with one of the subjects and kept driving by. He kept a visual on the vehicle and relayed the information, via radio, to other detectives in the area that were on the task force. Due to the suspicious nature of the occupant’s behavior and the numerous burglaries occurring in the daytime in this area, as well as the erratic driving exhibited by the driver in an attempt to elude the officers who were keeping surveillance on the vehicle, an investigatory traffic stop was affected.

The driver of the vehicle, Jose Tablada, produced a valid driver’s license. The passenger, Nelson Urbina (owner of vehicle), did not have a license and advised that this is why Mr. Tablada was driving. Mr. Urbina gave consent to search his vehicle. The search produced recovered stolen property. A GPS was on the front dash and a subsequent search through destinations found that the location marked Home. A detective was sent over to that address and confirmed that there was indeed a burglary to the vehicle as well as several items stolen from it.

Without the diligent patrolling that Sergeant Hill has shown in this case to try to halt the burglaries that are occurring in our city, we would have yet another victim and another burglary statistic in Zone 3.

On February 13, 2007, Lt. Miyares observed a silver vehicle traveling northbound on LeJeune Road at a very high rate of speed. Lt. Miyares attempted to catch up to the vehicle, however the driver began to increase speed and pass other vehicles. Lt. Miyares notified dispatch via radio and the vehicle finally stopped in front of 4119 El Prado Blvd.

As Lt. Miyares exited the vehicle, the driver was hysterical screaming that her baby was drowning in the pool. As Lt. Miyares approached the front door, the nanny was exiting the residence with a 22 month old toddler in her arms. Lt. Miyares without hesitation began to administer CPR on the child. The City of Miami Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and relieved Lt. Miyares.

The action did not end with the arrival of Fire Rescue. While rescue was stabilizing and transporting the toddler, Lt. Miyares gave clear and concise instructions to assisting units in order to expedite transport all while transporting the hysterical mother to the hospital.

Due to Lt. Miyares quick actions, he was able to revive the toddler and prolong his life, unfortunately with great sadness, the toddler passed away three days later.

Detective Jane Campos was nominated for Officer of the Month for January 2007. This nomination is based on her efforts in solving a sexual battery that occurred on January 4, 2007, in the 00 block of Menores Avenue. Detective Campos was the lead investigator in this case. Detective Campos conducted the initial evaluation of the scene and interviewed the victim before taking her to the Rape Treatment Center.

On the day following the rape Detective Campos participated in a neighborhood canvas with other members of the Crimes Against Persons Unit. Detective Campos took the initiative to expand the area of the canvas after she had completed her initial canvas with negative results. Detective Campos located two witnesses in an adjacent apartment complex that provided critical information regarding a suspicious person that had been seen loitering in the area on several occasions during the three weeks prior to the rape. That information included a vehicle description and partial tag. Composite sketches and investigations into the partial tag resulted in the identification of a possible suspect. Detective Campos put together photo line-ups that resulted in positive identifications in two Coral Gables rape cases. Detective Campos wrote four separate search warrants which were served on the offender at the time of his arrest. DNA as a result of those search warrants confirmed that the offender was a serial rapist. The offender has been connected to not only the Coral Gables incidents but to cases in Miami and Hillsborough County.

The key to the successful identification and apprehension of this dangerous serial rapist was the initiative taken by Detective Jane Campos to go that extra step and locate crucial witnesses. This is representative of the effort that Detective Jane Campos puts into all her investigations.

Kiwanis Police Appreciation Committee Chairman Jack Thomson and President Doug Kellner (orange jacket), as well as Major Raul Pedroso (left), congratulate the 2006 Coral Gables Police Officer of The Year Velier Zaccheo at the Kiwanis weekly luncheon recently.

On December 22, 2006, Detective Salcedo working the SANTA TASK FORCE conducted a self-initiated surveillance on Phoenetia Avenue. He observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by unknown subjects parked with its lights out. As Detective Salcedo began to coordinate and advise what he was working, a subject that was on foot observed him watching and ran to the waiting suspicious vehicle. The vehicle fled east towards Douglas Road and Detective Salcedo followed. Detective Salcedo followed the subject vehicle until it came to a stop at SW 36th Avenue & 13th Terrace. Due to Detective Salcedo’s providing precise and clear information over the radio, marked units were able to quickly respond and assist him in conducting an investigatory stop resulting in all three subjects being taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that one of the subjects had just committed a vehicle burglary in the City of Miami and were in possession of the victim’s property. Burglary tools were also located on one of the subject’s possession and inside the vehicle. It is believed that the subjects were about to commit another vehicle burglary on Phoenetia Avenue when Detective Salcedo interrupted their plan. Detective Salcedo also obtained a confession from one of the subjects arrested, admitting of the prior vehicle burglary and the attempt on Phoenetia Avenue. Another subject was identified as a suspect on another Coral Gables vehicle theft case that is still being investigated.

Because of Detective Salcedo’s commitment to getting the job done and using his keen observation techniques he was able to self initiate, identify suspicious behavior, and make all the right decisions in apprehending the subjects.

On June 14, 2006, Travel Leaders reported to the Coral Gables Police Department that over 300 credit card numbers from a private company had been compromised. Travel Leaders was organizing a trip for the private company’s employees and all who were participating had provided their credit card information. The manager noticed that an employee had left the company abruptly. Once she left they discovered that many of the customer’s credit cards had been compromised. They decided to notify the police.

Detective Garcia was assigned to this case. During the course of the investigation he examined hundreds of documents and fraudulent purchases and found one transaction that showed the ex-employee and her boyfriend purchasing two exotic birds from a pet store in Ft. Myers. Detectives Garcia and Reinoso were able to build a data base of all the credit cards that were compromised and merchandise that was stolen from these cards. All of the information learned and evidence discovered was used to obtain two arrest warrants and a search warrant for the subject’s residence in Cape Coral.

The Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and FDLE responded with Detectives Garcia and Reinoso to the subject’s residence in Cape Coral to issue the arrest and search warrants. Over $50,000.00 dollars of merchandise was recovered and returned to various victims. Three other credit card data bases were discovered in the residence and vital intelligence was obtained during the interview and interrogation process.

Based on the perseverance of these detectives they were able to identify over $250,000.00 dollars of fraudulent transactions. They were able to prevent over 200 additional people from being victimized by credit card fraud and stop all fraudulent transactions that were about to be committed. These detectives shut down this illegal operation and in the process arrested two offenders and prevented over a quarter million dollars in planned fraudulent purchses from transpiring. Currently, the case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General Chief Assistant State Wide Prosecutor and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) charges are pending.

Officer Steve St. Amand

On October 23, 2006, at 1950 hours, a robbery in progress call dispatched at the 100 block of Sidonia Avenue. Officer Arias arrived and immediately interviewed the victim and her sister (witness) as to the description of the offenders. Following the description, Officer Arias did an excellent job of immediately providing a BOLO description of offenders and assisted with calming the victim and witness on scene.

Multiple units arrived at the area and began checking for the offenders. Officer St. Amand observed two white males fitting the description bolo’d, walking south on LeJeune Road from SW 9th Terrace. Officer St. Amand ordered the two males to stop, at which time they began fleeing south on LeJeune Road then east on SW 10th Street.

A perimeter was immediately established and the first offender was apprehended by Officer St. Amand. Officer Kelley was at a perimeter point located at SW 10th Street and LeJeune Road and observed the offender running northbound from SW 11th Street through the road construction area located in the southbound lane of LeJeune Road. Officer Kelley started to gain ground on the offender while giving loud verbal commands to stop and get on the ground. The offender refused and continued to run until he realized he was going to get caught. The offender was placed into custody by Officer Kelley.

On September 28, 2006, Detective Flores arrested an armed carjacking suspect in a silver Mercedes Benz SUV. At approximately 8:10 AM, police dispatch broadcasted a BOLO for a stolen vehicle taken in a carjacking at a school in the area of Red Road and SW 81 Street. Coral Gables Police Communications then received a call from Mercedes Benz notifying them that they were tracking the stolen SUV. The location of the vehicle was slightly delayed due to the capabilities of the tracking system, but Mercedes Benz did confirm that the SUV was in the City of Coral Gables near Ponce de Leon Blvd. and S. Dixie Highway. Detective Flores was monitoring radio transmissions. He proceeded to the last known location of the vehicle observing two (2) silver Mercedes Benz SUV’s in the area of Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Bird Road.

Detective Flores got behind one of the vehicles matching the description and upon reading the tag verified it was the stolen SUV. Detective Flores informed dispatch that he was behind the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect vehicle fled and Detective Flores pursued in his marked Coral Gables Police car. He provided direction of travel and other important information while chasing the armed carjacking suspect. The suspect crashed the stolen vehicle in the area of Douglas Road and S. Dixie Highway. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but Detective Flores detained the armed suspect at gun point. The suspect was arrested.

It was later determined that this suspect was wanted for a criminal homicide that had occurred earlier the same morning in Miami-Dade County in the same area as the carjacking. It was later learned that the suspect and the homicide victim were both wanted in the State of Rhode Island for multiple bank robberies. The handgun used in the homicide was recovered outside of the stolen vehicle. Detective Flores’ demonstrated bravery, keen observation skills, and strong communications skills which resulted in an armed homicide suspect being captured bringing his spree of crimes to an end.

Officer Luis Lanz and his Field Training Officer John Carrasco responded to 111 Avila Court on August 29, 2006, regarding a burglary to a residence. Both officers arrived at the scene within two minutes after the call was dispatched and faced thunderstorms due to Tropical Storm Ernesto. Upon arrival, Officer Carrasco immediately made contact with the reporter and directed Officer Lanz to the rear of the house. While dealing with little visibility from the thunderstorm, Officer Lanz was able to observe a subject exiting the back. He immediately ordered him to stop and lie on the ground. The subject quickly fled eastbound through the backyard, jumping a fence and fleeing towards Ponce de Leon. Officer Lanz, pursued on foot, injuring his hand while jumping the fence but continued to chase the subject for approximately two blocks before apprehending him. During the investigation, both officers identified a second subject believed to be an accomplice in the burglary, as well as being responsible for a rash of crimes in the City. Officers Lanz and Carrasco were chosen because of their decisiveness, courage and tenacity to remove criminals from the streets within our community.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2006, Officer Velier Zaccheo was working an off-duty traffic detail within the community of Cocoplum. Officer Zaccheo observed a 1986 Chevy van bearing a Florida tag driving southbound on Isla Dorada Boulevard. Officer Zaccheo followed the vehicle and conducted a routine check of the tag. The check revealed that the owner of the van had a suspended driver license, for failure to pay a traffic fine. Officer Zaccheo then conducted a traffic stop and requested back up. Further investigation revealed that the arrested subject driver had been arrested previously for armed home invasion and armed kidnapping.

While searching the van, officer Zaccheo found a loaded firearm inside a readily accessible, unlocked black box and four clear plastic baggies containing marijuana. He requested a record check of the gun. The gun had been stolen and it was reported by Miramar Police with a case number of 0503-5781. The owner of the gun had reported it stolen to Miramar Police after construction workers worked in his house.

Furthermore, Officer Zaccheo showing concern for the community learned that the driver was painting a house with some friends at 23 Tahiti Beach. Officer Zaccheo responded to the location to check the residence. Upon his arrival he observed a worker standing by the house. Officer Zacccheo confronted the individual and observed a bulge in his right pocket. After consent to search, a plastic bag containing marijuana was found.

In conclusion the driver was charged for possession of stolen property, possession of weapon by convicted felon, carrying concealed firearm, and marijuana possession. The other subject was charged for possession of marijuana.

Officer Zaccheo was chosen because of his commitment to traffic enforcement and his drive to remove criminals from the streets within our community. He had the tenacity and the initiative, to develop what started as a routine traffic stop into an investigation resulting in an arrest of two criminals.

On May 27, 2006, Officer Miguelez while patrolling, heard an audible alarm coming from an office building on Tamiami Trail. The alarm had not yet been called in by the alarm company. While officer Miguelez was checking the building, he observed a subject inside. Officer Miguelez confronted the man discovering he had already stolen a calculator. Officer Miguelez detained the subject and conducted an investigation. The subject stated he had entered through an unlocked door. The subject also had open warrants for strong arm robbery and burglary.

Officer Alvaro Escalona

On May 23, 2006, at approximately 5:30 PM, Officer Escalona, while conducting a self-initiated traffic detail at the 500 Block of Coral Way, observed a white four door Acura traveling west-bound that made an improper change of lane. Once Officer Escalona stopped the violator he observed a large bag under the driver’s feet and smelled a strong odor of marijuana. Officer Escalona demonstrated outstanding officer safety skills and excellent radio procedures as he requested assistance and made the arrest without incident. In addition to the 112 grams of marijuana seized, the driver had a suspended Florida driver license and the license tag attached was not assigned to the vehicle.

During the same month, Officer Escalona issued over 120 traffic citations and investigated numerous traffic crashes. He is a proven asset to the Traffic Enforcement Unit and the Coral Gables Police Department in its effort to make a positive impact on traffic concerns in the City.

On April 21, 2006, Officer St. Amand was off-duty and riding as a passenger in a friend’s vehicle when he observed an armed robbery in progress at 20236 Old Cutler Road. Officer St. Amand observed two men running from a convenience store, one of which was wearing a disguise. Officer St. Amand immediately exited his vehicle, identified himself as a police officer and gave the offenders loud verbal commands to stop. The first offender attempted to enter the get-away vehicle through the driver’s side door but was startled when Officer St. Amand approached the offenders at gun point. The second offender was wearing what appeared to be a black shirt and wearing a disguise over his face attempted to enter through the passenger side door of the getaway vehicle, Ford F150 but instead fled the scene to a nearby construction site.

Officer St. Amand made a split second decision to apprehend the first offender who was now inside the driver’s seat of the get-away vehicle. Officer St. Amand pulled the offender out of the vehicle and held him at gun point until Miami Dade Police Officers could arrive. Simultaneously, Officer St. Amand contacted the Miami Dade Police via telephone (911) and advised his location and what had occurred. Once Miami Dade Police Officers responded and established a perimeter, an attempt to locate the second offender who was still at large began. A search of the area did not reveal the second offender. Further investigation revealed that the offender that Officer St. Amand apprehended was out on bond and had marijuana and cocaine in his possession. Subsequent investigation also revealed that the offenders entered the convenience store; pistol whipped the owner and stole $1200.00 in cash.

Officer St. Amand’s keen observation and quick thinking led to the apprehension of one of the subjects involved in the armed robbery and possible identification of the second offender. Officer St. Amand’s intervention also prevented further injuries to other innocent bystanders.

Case Number: 06-2306
On March 13, 2006, Officer Paul Koppel received information in roll call that the parking meters had been broken into on March 12. The subjects had returned to the downtown area, but changed their modus operandi by breaking into the parking meters on Aragon Avenue. Armed with this information, Officer Koppel left roll call and began to patrol the Miracle Mile downtown area. Within an hour Officer Koppel had identified a suspicious vehicle, occupied by a black male and a white male leaving the Miracle Mile area via LeJeune Road. Officer Koppel using his street skills experience conducted a probable cause stop for faulty equipment. Upon approaching the vehicle it was determined that there was a third occupant in the rear passenger compartment. In plain view, Officer Koppel could see a large amount of coins of various denominations throughout the passenger compartment. Officer Koppel’s further investigation revealed that 14 parking meters in the immediate area had just been broken into. The screwdrivers found in the car matched the one found near a broken meter. All three arrested subjects are awaiting prosecution by the State Attorney’s office. Since the subjects were arrested, the break-ins of the parking meter have ceased.

Case Number: 06-2594
At approximately 0630 hours on March 22, 2006, a sick or injured personal call was dispatched to 812 Genoa Street. The dispatcher advised that the person was not responsive and that CPR instructions were begin given. Initially, a south end unit was dispatched. The road supervisor inquired as to the availability of north end units and Officer Koppel advised that he was already enroute; his siren could be heard in the background. Officer Koppel arrived within 1 _ minutes and was the sole unit on the scene until rescue arrived Officer Koppel immediately took charge of the scene and employed his First Responder training. Officer Koppel attached his AED to the patient and was advised “not to shock”. He immediately began CPR until he was relieved by Rescue. Although this case did not have a positive conclusion, his actions should be commended. Officer Koppel was there when the need arose and was within his zone which made for his rapid response time.

Several topics were discussed at roll call on Friday, February 24, 2006, and one of the topics covered the specifics of the several burglary attempts in the north end of the city which Officer Dale Owens is currently assigned to. At roll call, Officer Owens provided information as to possible target areas and methods used by the offenders. Officer Owens was patrolling the north area of the city after the discussion at roll call because he believed to be an area of interest for the criminals committing the burglaries At approximately 10:15 AM, he observed a black male subject riding a bicycle out from between two residences on Cecilia Avenue holding what appeared to be a pillow case filled with items. Officer Owens asked the subject to stop riding the bicycle; however, the subject fled east on Cecilia Avenue. Officer Owens immediately called for back-up and began to position himself to cut off any escape routes for the subject. As the subject fled on foot, jumped over fences in the neighboring houses, Officer Owens established a perimeter. Officer Owens was able to apprehend the subject. The subject was identified as Samuel Bohannon, has an extensive criminal history. It was evident that the subject had just committed a burglary to 1534 Cecilia Avenue. The pillow case was found and filled with jewelry and other valuables. The property was identified by the homeowner. Officer Owens coordinated the follow up investigation by working with burglary detectives, crime scene personnel, and ensuring that all reports were completed with close attention to detail. Due to Officer Owens drive, determination, and excellent police skills, he was able to apprehend a career criminal.

Detective Cabrera played a leadership role in a significant and sensitive DEA investigation which entailed the smuggling of five kilograms of heroin from Cali, Colombia to Miami, Florida. Based on information given by a Coral Gables Police Department Confidential source, Detective Cabrera began an investigation of a heroin organization that had been smuggling several hundred kilograms of heroin secreted in flower boxes into the Miami area via air cargo. During the course of the investigation, Detective Cabrera, along with DEA Special Agents, determined that said organization was part of a larger organized crime heroin cartel in Medellin, Colombia. During the initial course of the investigation, a shipment of fifty boxes of roses contained seven kilograms of secreted heroin. Detective Cabrera, working in an undercover capacity, picked up said boxes of roses; he later identified the cargo company as a distribution point for the heroin organization. Once the boxes were secured, the confidential information, under instruction of Detective Cabrera, placed a telephone call to the organization in Colombia. The instructions given were to a said source on how to remove the heroin from the boxes and process it for sale. As part of Detective Cabrera investigative tactics, the confidential informant requested assistance from the Colombian organization to remove the heroin secreted in the boxes. The Colombian organization agreed to the request and further advised that they would send one of their “chemists” to Miami to extract the heroin from the boxes and to subsequently show how to process same. Several days later, a Colombian national, known as the “chemist” arrived in the Miami area and subsequently met with the confidential source at an undercover office. Under the instruction of Detective Cabrera, the confidential source proceeded to gather crucial information from said individual. The “chemist” demonstrated how his smuggling organization secreted the heroin into the boxes in Colombia and revealed how to extract the heroin from the flower boxes as well. The following day, the chemist was arrested at a hotel in the south Florida area. Under the direction of Detective Cabrera, several high-ranking Colombian cartel leaders’ telephone conversations were recorded by the confidential informant. This crucial evidence in the case became an essential part of the probable cause to indict several members of the heroin organization in Medellin, Colombia by the DEA and the Colombian Federal Police. Due to Detective Cabrera’s diligence and outstanding investigating skills, new information was gathered and which later helped identify several more subjects involved. Those subjects were subsequently arrested in the Miami area by the DEA. As part of Detective Cabrera’s experience, team play, and expertise in investigating this complex case, the DEA was able to dismantle a heroin cell in the Miami area by seizing their heroin and arresting several of the cell’s distributors. Detective Cabrera demonstrated professionalism, good and sound judgment throughout this complex case. Detective Cabrera also helped to identify a new method of smuggling illegal narcotics into the US.

Officer Nelson Quintana
due to his actions displayed throughout the year in 2005. A brief description of all the awards he received in 2005 are listed below:

Officer of the Month: May 2005
Officer Nelson Quintana received the Officer of the Month for his outstanding and superior performance displayed involving case number 05-004748. On May 20, 2005, at approximately 3PM, a Coral Gables High School student called the police department reference a strong armed robbery. The victim told the call taker that he was jumped, beaten up, and robbed by approximately seven black males. The victim advised that they fled on foot towards the Douglas Metro Rail Station and jumped into a red colored Chevrolet bearing Florida tag number 0942PD. The incident occurred with the victim at the 4000 block of SW 38 Avenue in the City of Miami. The City of Miami Police Department was advised to respond. Officer Nelson Quintana located a vehicle matching the BOLO description of the car just one block away from the Metro Rail Station. Officer Quintana could not see the vehicle occupants due to the dark tinted windows, and performed a felony stop at the intersection of Douglas Road/Thomas Street. At this location on the north side there is an elementary school. Officer Quintana was able to complete the felony stop, while maintaining a safe zone for the school children, and ordered all four subjects to exit the vehicle. They were immediately handcuffed and patted down for officer safety. These four offenders were positively identified by the victim and his stolen personal property was recovered.

Officer of the Month: December 2005
Officer N. Quintana shared the Officer of the Month for December award along with Officer I. Perez and Officer L. Hakoff. On December 19, 2005, at approximately 07:35 am, patrol units were dispatched to the area of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Red Road. An armed robbery had just occurred at the Shell Gasoline Station located at 1492 South Dixie Highway. The subject threatened the gas station attendant that he was armed with a weapon by flashing a black handle weapon appearing to be a firearm and robbed the gas station of $332.00 in U.S. Currency. The currency was placed in a brown paper bag. The subject then fled on foot westbound from the crime scene towards Red Road. A BOLO was broadcast for a black male subject wearing a yellow jacket. The BOLO matched the description of a previous armed robbery that occurred six hours earlier at the Circle K located at 5885 Ponce de Leon in which a lighter, cigarettes and gum were taken. In both robberies, the subject threatened that he had a firearm and showed a concealed black handle that appeared to be a concealed firearm to the store clerks, placing both of them in fear for their safety. Officer Ismel Perez, while working an off-duty detail at 1500 South Dixie Highway, was able to respond to the area in an expeditious manner simultaneously gathering all the necessary BOLO information being dispatched. Officer Perez noticed the subject running behind a large dumpster located at the Mobil Gas Station on Red Road upon his arrival. Once the subject spotted Officer Perez, he fled further westbound on foot. A foot pursuit ensued as Officers Nelson Quintana and Larry Hankoff arrived. Officer Quintana exited the passenger side of the police vehicle and joined the foot pursuit. The subject sprinted over 100 yards and both officers were able to keep up with the subject stride for stride. Officer Hankoff drove his marked unit in a position that would cut off any escape route for the subject. As the subject ran, he saw that the marked unit had cut off his escape route. He was forced to run into a parking lot surrounded by a 6 foot high chain link fence. Once the subject realized that he could not continue to flee on foot, he physically confronted Officer Perez and Quintana. The subject was taken into custody by the officers via a taser deployment. Due to their quick actions, teamwork, and excellent police skills they were able to apprehend a dangerous robbery offender

Honorable Mention Officer: November 2005
Officer N. Quintana shared the Honorable Mention Officer for November award with Officer J. Molina and Officer S. St. Amand for Officer involving Case Number 05-01038. On November 21, 2005, a called was received from the housekeeper who was working inside the house located at 751 Calatrava Avenue when she heard glass breaking. The housekeeper immediately called the police. Officer Molina responded to the listed location in reference to this suspicious incident report by the housekeeper. Upon arrival, he observed a female subject walking down the driveway of the residence with a suitcase and wearing purple latex gloves. Officer Molina confronted the subject at that time and asked her for identification. The subject stated that that she needed to get her identification card from her vehicle. Once she was inside the vehicle, the subject started the vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, nearly striking Officer Molina and Officer St. Amand. These officers took quick evasive action to avoid being struck by her; however Officer Nelson Quintana was standing on the passenger side of the vehicle and was sideswiped by the subject’s vehicle as she fled the scene. Officer Molina jumped into his police vehicle and pursued the fleeing subject. Officer St. Amand, quickly joined the pursuit as Officer Quintana communicated with dispatch what had just happened. The pursuit of the subject proceeded until she crashed through the rear fence of the residence located at 5954 SW 62 Street in South Miami. The subject jumped out of her vehicle, and continued her flight on foot. Officer Molina chased the subject on foot and apprehended her.

Exceptional Service Award:
Officer Nelson Quintana received an Exceptional Service Award for his efforts as part of the Rescue Recon Team for his efforts before, during, and the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma.

Special Event Ribbon Award:
Officer N. Quintana was awarded a Special Event Ribbon Award because of the amazing response and hard work performed during the 2005 Hurricane Season. He worked day and night serving the residents of the City of Coral Gables by putting their own personal needs on hold in making the city safe.

Letter of Commendation:
Officer N. Quintana received a Letter of Commendation was awarded on October 2005 for his assistance to all employees and citizens within the community during and after Hurricane Wilma arrived in South Florida. Many of the sworn personnel mentioned above, were victim’s themselves of Hurricane Wilma’s wrath.

On December 19, 2005, at approximately 07:35 am, patrol units were dispatched to the area of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Red Road. An armed robbery had just occurred at the Shell Gasoline Station located at 1492 South Dixie Highway. The subject threatened the gas station attendant that he was armed with a weapon by flashing a black handle weapon appearing to be a firearm and robbed the gas station of $332.00. The subject then fled on foot westbound from the crime scene towards Red Road. A BOLO was broadcast for a black male subject wearing a yellow jacket. The BOLO matched the description of a previous armed robbery that occurred six hours earlier at the Circle K located at 5885 Ponce de Leon in which a lighter, cigarettes and gum were taken. In both robberies, the subject threatened that he had a firearm and showed a concealed black handle that appeared to be a concealed firearm to the store clerks, placing both of them in fear for their safety. Officer Ismel Perez, while working an off-duty detail at 1500 South Dixie Highway, was able to respond to the area in an expeditious manner simultaneously gathering all the necessary BOLO information being dispatched. Officer Perez noticed the subject running behind a large dumpster located at the Mobil Gas Station on Red Road upon his arrival. Once the subject spotted Officer Perez, he fled further westbound on foot. A foot pursuit ensued as Officers Nelson Quintana and Larry Hankoff arrived. Officer Quintana exited the passenger side of the police vehicle and joined the foot pursuit. The subject sprinted over 100 yards and both officers were able to keep up with the subject stride for stride. Officer Hankoff drove his marked unit in a position that would cut off any escape route for the subject. As the subject ran, he saw that the marked unit had cut off his escape route. He was forced to run into a parking lot surrounded by a 6 foot high chain link fence. Once the subject realized that he could not continue to flee on foot, he physically confronted Officer Perez and Quintana. The subject was taken into custody by the officers via a taser deployment. Due to their quick actions, teamwork, and excellent police skills they were able to apprehend a dangerous robbery offender.

Officer Robert Wentzell

On October 10, 2005, at 0020 hours Officer Robert Wentzell observed a dark blue 2 door Honda Accord traveling (southbound) on Ponce de Leon Boulevard at the 2800 block with no license plate. A traffic stop was conducted at the 100 block of Santander Avenue. Further investigation revealed a license plate laying in the rear dash of the vehicle. Alert observation by Officer Wentzell also revealed that the subjects used a screwdriver to turn the vehicle off because they had punched the vehicle’s ignition to start the vehicle.

After running a records check of the license plate, it was determined that the tag and the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the City of Miami.

The subjects were quickly separated in order to conduct investigative interviews. Their statements revealed that they had both had knowledge that the vehicle was stolen. In addition, there were also two car stereos that were recovered from the subjects’ vehicle. Investigation also revealed that these stereos had been taken from two separate vehicle burglaries in Miami and that the subjects were looking for vehicles to burglarize or steal in Coral Gables.

This proactive traffic stop, made during Officer Wentzell’s normal patrol duties, assisted the Criminal Investigations Division and the Miami Police Department in clearing two vehicle thefts and two vehicle burglary cases. Due to the fact that Officer Wentzell’s traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two subjects before they committed offenses in Coral Gables for and recovering and returning recently stolen property to their victims, Officer Wentzell was selected as the November 2005 Officer of the Month.

On October 10, 2005, units were dispatched to a strong armed robbery call at the Radio Shack located at 135 Miracle Mile. As information became available to the police units, a description of the subject’s and the subject vehicle were released. Units were advised that the suspect(s) fled the scene in a black older Honda Accord model with a missing bumper. Officer Robert Wheeler responded to the area to assist in the search for the fleeing subjects. Officer Wheeler responded to the area west of the incident location based on the broadcast direction of travel of the subjects. Within minutes of the reported robbery Officer Wheeler advised that he saw a vehicle matching the description provided heading North on LeJeune Road from Miracle Mile. At this time, Officer Wheeler was on his police motorcycle and was able to maintain a calm clear radio communication while providing dispatch with the tag information, accurate description of the vehicle he was following, and detailed information of his location. Officer Wheeler calmly awaited proper back-up assistance from police units before he initiated a felony stop of the subject vehicle. Officer Wheeler instructed the subjects to exit the vehicle individually while other police officers on the scene assisted with their apprehension. Officer Wheeler was observed by his immediate supervisor who attested to a perfect felony traffic stop conducted by him. Without Officer Wheeler’s strategic response to this incident these subjects would not have been apprehended.

On August 14, 2005, Charlie Shift officers investigated two attempted burglaries at 838 Salzedo Street and 226 Calabria Avenue. Due to a recent series of attempted burglaries in the north end of the city, it was decided to have Officer Jason Cruz conduct an unmarked patrol detail in an effort to locate and identify the suspect involved in these burglaries. A previous BOLO was issued by Detective G. Antezana describing a possible suspect who was last seen going into the apartment complex located at 230 Calabria Avenue. Officer Cruz directed his patrol efforts in the area of Salzedo Street to Ponce de Leon Blvd and from S.W. 8th Street to Salamanca Avenue. At approximately 10:30 PM, Officer Cruz and Officer Fernandez observed and stopped a subject in the area of the 200 block of Santillane Avenue. Due to the techniques used in their interview, the subject informed the officers that he was living with a person who matched the exact same description of the bolo. He informed the officers that the suspect that they were looking for lived at 231 Santillane in Apartment 4. With that information given, Officers Cruz, Fernandez, and Detective Salcedo responded to the address given in an effort to locate and identify the suspect. Once they officers arrived, they were able to successfully identify the possible suspect.

Detective Alain Campos began his investigation in november 2004, involving an arrest which led him to the defendant, Javier Rodriguez, who was responsible for fraudulent activity involving over twenty-three victims, ten of whom are financial institutions and an additional fifty-three other potential victims. After further investigation, it was revealed that Javier Rodriguez was a middle man in an organized fraud ring which is believed to be operating in the millions of dollars in south florida. The evidence was so extensive that he was willing to divulge the identities and inner-workings of the organization and assist Detective Campos in building a case against the group and its leaders who are known throughout south florida as the 'bover' group. Javier Rodriguez was arrested and sentenced to fifteen years.

The way in which criminals commit crimes is constantly changing due to the internet and the advancement of technology. Only because of Detective Campos’s persistence and dedication was he successful in arresting this person responsible for millions of dollars in identity theft which is growing at an alarming rate. Detective Campos displayed a tremendous amount of investigative time, resources, and perseverance.

Since January 2004 there has been 20 house burglaries reported in the City of Coral Gables, in which organized groups of criminals targeted under construction or renovated homes. The groups of criminals would steal expensive high-end appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, stove cook tops, icemakers, vent hoods, and deep freezers. Once Sergeant Lonnie Hill became the supervisor of the Property Crime unit commencing in January of 2005, he began analyzing and investigating these crimes. He developed intelligence and profiles of the suspects which led to one of the most complex investigations ever worked on house burglaries by his squad.

Detective Christopher Wise was assigned as the lead investigator supervised by Sergeant Hill regarding the appliance burglaries. Detective Wise and Sergeant Hill interviewed homeowners, developers, building contractors, and the appliance distributors and vendors in order to gather as much pertinent information in order to solve the case. Due to their outstanding teamwork, and superior investigative skills, they were able to break up the two organized groups of criminals and arrest these individuals.

HONORABLE MENTION OFFICER: OFFICER JASON CRUZ – CASE NUMBER 05-006397

On June 4, 2005, Officer Kevin Kelley arrived at 131 Zamora Avenue and witnessed the victim running towards him covered with blood and yelling that she was afraid for her life. The victim stated that the offender was at her grandmother’s residence. Upon searching the grandmother’s residence, Officer Kelley noted an obvious crime scene in the bedroom. He immediately secured the bedroom. The offender was not in the apartment; however a perimeter was set. Officer Kelley began searching around the building within the perimeter. After an initial search was unsuccessful Officer Kelly initiated a follow-up search and the offender was discovered lying between a building and thick shrubbery. The offender matched the BOLO given by the victim and was identified from photos that were displayed at the victim’s apartment. The offender was taken into custody.

Officer Kelley gathered these facts which took place before his arrival to the scene. The offender and the victim shared an apartment with the grandmother. The offender arrived home intoxicated and engaged in an argument over her whereabouts during the day. The offender attacked the victim in the bedroom forcibly holding her down on the bed and floor against her will. The defendant repeatedly advised the victim that he was going to kill her while holding her by the throat. The defendant retrieved a 13 inch knife from the kitchen and re-entered the bedroom with the knife in hand repeating the threats. The victim pleaded for her life at which time the offender threw the knife at the victim and asked her to kill him. The victim opened the window to the bedroom and threw the knife out the window. The victim received bruising around her neck and arms. The victim was taken to the emergency room for numerous lacerations to her right ankle and foot area.

On May 20, 2005, at approximately 3PM, a Coral Gables High School student called the police department reference a strong-armed robbery. The victim told the call taker that he was jumped, beaten up, and robbed by approximately seven black males. The victim advised that they fled on foot towards the Douglas Metro Rail Station and jumped into a red colored Chevrolet bearing Florida tag number 0942PD.

The incident occurred with the victim at the 4000 block of SW 38 Avenue in the City of Miami. The City of Miami Police Department was advised to respond. Officer Nelson Quintana located a vehicle matching the BOLO description of the car just one block away from the Metro Rail Station. Officer Quintana could not see the vehicle occupants due to the dark tinted windows, and performed a felony stop at the intersection of Douglas Road/Thomas Street. At this location on the north side there is an elementary school. Officer Quintana was able to complete the felony stop, while maintaining a safe zone for the school children, and ordered all four subjects to exit the vehicle. They were immediately handcuffed and patted down for officer safety. These four offenders were positively identified by the victim and his stolen personal property was recovered.

Officer Eduardo Orbe

On March 3, 2005, two male subjects were observed by a witness burglarizing a vehicle in the parking garage located at 1205 Mariposa Avenue. The witness immediately called the police department and in turn a BOLO was dispatched describing the subjects involved in the burglary to the victim’s vehicle.

In response to this BOLO Officer Eduardo Orbe observed two suspects sitting in a vehicle at the 3300 block of Plaza Street. Immediately he referred to the BOLO that had been broadcast earlier and advised that he had located the suspects fitting the description along with the matching vehicle. As soon as Officer Orbe encountered the subjects, a foot chase began. The subject, who was driving the vehicle, ran southbound on Plaza Street towards Grand Avenue. A perimeter was established. A homeowner in the area called the City of Miami Police Department stating that a black male was hiding underneath the house. Officer Orbe located the subject and apprehended him without resistance. The second subject resisted arrest and the Taser was deployed four times on the subject by Officer Orbe in response to the subject’s resistance. After a lengthy struggle, the second subject was finally handcuffed and arrested. After the subjects were transported to the police department for processing, the stolen property from the vehicle was recovered. Due to his outstanding performance in this case, Officer Orbe was selected as Officer of the Month for April.

On March 20, 2005, at approximately 9:49 PM a call was received that a suspicious person was seen at one of the neighbor’s house in front of 1560 Plasentia squatting down in the bushes attempting to conceal himself carrying a flashlight. Several units were dispatched to the area in attempts to locate the unknown individual. Officer Joseph Foster and Officer Michael Quintana responded to the area. Officer Quintana observed a subject matching the aforementioned description hiding behind a bush watching the police car approach the vicinity. As they became closer to the subject, the subject fled southbound from the house. Officer Quintana and Officer Foster began a foot pursuit after the subject and apprehended him at the 3900 block of Red Road. The subject did not comply with numerous verbal commands to place his hands behind his back. After failing to comply with the verbal commands, the officers were forced to tase the subject in order to gain compliance from the subject. After being tased, the subject was then handcuffed and taken into custody.

It was later revealed that this individual was the subject of several cases involving Lewd and Lascivious behavior. The subject, in those cases, would spy on young female victims and in some cases masturbate in front of their window. It is believed that he was looking through the window of a 12 year old female prior to his arrest by Officer Quintana and Officer Foster.

Officer Thomas Salcedo

On February 28, 2005, at approximately 6:57 PM, Officer Thomas Salcedo was working an off-duty detail when he heard a robbery in progress call being dispatched over the police radio. The subject fled the area of 4900 LeJeune Road by using the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle a 2004 Merced CLK 500 was equipped with a Lo-Jack system. Officer Salcedo took the initiative to respond to the area in his police vehicle and began a search by using the Lo-Jack equipment in his police vehicle.

Officer Salcedo received a Lo-Jack confirmation stating the Mercedes Benz vehicle was in the coconut Grove area with the subject sitting inside the vehicle. Officer Salcedo approached the vehicle and was able to take the subject into custody. Officer Salcedo was able to locate inside the vehicle the revolver and latex gloves utilized by the subject during the robbery.

Due to Officer Salcedo proactive approach in performing his police duties, he was able to recover the vehicle and make an arrest.

Officer Vincent Petersen

On the night of January 7, 2005, at about 7 PM, the Communications Section received a call about a possible boating accident somewhere in Biscayne Bay. Immediately responding to the boating accident scene was Officer Vinnie Petersen. He found three victims hanging on for their lives. Officer Petersen was confronted with a very involved search and rescue operation that lasted over two and a half hours on that night. Having one of the victims being trapped under the vessel and the vessel sinking, Officer Petersen immediately directed a civilian fellow boater to assist him in rescuing all three victims from the water. The communications operators, Katrina Eckenroth, Monica Moreno, Katherine Holmes, and Claudia Luna coordinated efforts not only for our department but Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, US Coast Guard, Florida Fish & Wildlife conservation commission, US Customs, and several local hospitals.

The three victims were taken to Coco Plum Marina where Officers Robert Wheeler and Michael Hearns assisted Officer Petersen in providing first responder assistance to them. All three victims had severe injuries and the three officers help to save their lives.

Officer Petersen and the other police officers returned to the boating accident scene and continued searching for the fourth victim who was missing. As a result of their team effort performed by the Marine Patrol Unit, the fourth victim was recovered from the water. The fourth victim died at the hospital.

Due to Officer Vincent Petersen extraordinary efforts, dedication, and marine experience, and all of the officers and communications operators that were involved, a greater loss of live may have occurred. Officer Petersen went beyond the call of duty the night of January 7, 2005 by saving the lives of three victims.

Officer Johnston, a 21 year veteran of the Coral Gables Police Department, was lauded for his years of dedicated service and tireless efforts, whether on duty or off duty, to protect the citizens of the City Beautiful. Officer Johnston was specifically recognized for his high speed pursuit and arrest of 2 burglary suspects while off duty.

Police Chief Michael L Hammerschmidt was on hand to make the presentation and Kiwanian Jack Thomson on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables, presented Officer Johnston with a check for $500 and a beautiful engraved glass award.

Officer Johnston’s wife and his two daughters were on hand along with several Coral Gables Police Department administrators and members of the Citizens Crime Watch committee. The guest speaker for the event was Miami-Dade County’s District Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle.

caption: Kiwanis Police Appreciation Committee Chairman Jack Thomson and Miami-Dade County’s District Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle present the esteemed Coral Gables Officer of the Year Award to Officer John Johnston at the annual luncheon ceremony held at the Coral Gables Country Club.

Sergeant Alan Matas and Detective Ivan Cabrera

On December 4, 2004, Sgt. Alan Matas and Detective Ivan Cabrera were working the Holiday Task Force. They were in an unmarked vehicle when at 4:00 AM they spotted suspicious activity at the 100 block of Sidonia Avenue.

Sgt. Matas and Detective Cabrera observed two white males congregating. They were hiding behind the Porsche’s headlight. At that time, additional surveillance and marked uniform patrol units were called upon. The subjects were walking around in the area, and then in just seconds they removed the headlight from the vehicle. Once the headlight was removed from the Porsche, Sgt. Matas and Detective Cabrera approached them and identified themselves. The subjects immediately split up and ran. The investigators set up a perimeter as they were chasing the subjects. After more information was gathered, the identity of the second offender was revealed; however he is still at large.

In conclusion, due to Sgt. Alan Matas and Detective Cabrera self-initiated actions, dedication to duty, and excellent observation skills, one of the subjects was apprehended.

Officer Alvin Maestre

On November 28, 2004, while on regular routine patrol, Officer Alvin Maestre observed a vehicle driving erratically east bound on Bird road. Unbeknown to Officer Maestre, the vehicle was involved in an armed robbery at the Dunkin Donuts located at 2720 South Dixie Highway. Officer Maestre attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver took evasive actions to elude the officer. He lost sight of the vehicle momentarily but regained sight of the vehicle. He discovered that it had collided with a stop sign at the Cajun Grill located at 4231 LeJeune Road.

The occupants of the vehicle fled the area and a perimeter was established with negative results. Officer Maestre made contact with the registered owner of the vehicle. He was able to obtain the identity of the person allegedly using the vehicle during the robbery. Officer Maestre impounded the vehicle and documented the incident under a Coral Gables Police Department case number.

Later that morning, a citizen reported discovering a handgun and large sum of money in a Dunkin Donuts bag at the intersection of Laguna Street and Altara Avenue. Officers were unaware of the robbery at that time and contacted other agencies to ascertain if any robberies were reported. Due to Officer Maestre’s actions on that night, a handgun was taken off the streets, the victim was able to recover the property, and two violent felons were apprehended.

On September 17, 2004, Officer Gerald O’Leary and Officer Erasmo Lopez apprehened and arrested two individuals who were responsible for the On August 26, 2004, Sergeant Jose Del Valle heard the dispatched B.O.L.O, while traveling home, on a occupied vehicle with three individuals. These individuals had just been seen burglarizing a house located at 701 Navarre Avenue. He requested additional information on the described vehicle because he had spotted a similar vehicle in vicinity of West Miami. Once the information was made available to Sergeant Del Valle, he was able to relocate the vehicle with the three subjects. At that time he made a traffic stop at SW 62 Avenue and 32 Street.

After searching and interviewing the subjects, Sgt. Del Valle had stopped the individuals that were responsible for the burglary. Due to his persistence, dedication, and commitment to the job, the subjects were arrested.

Sergeant John Johnston

On July 3, 2004, Sgt. John Johnston was patrolling the south sector of the city in an effort to locate a B/M subject driving a stolen Toyota Sequoia as mentioned in the Bolo 04-141. The vehicle was reported stolen on June 25 and since that time; the subject had been responsible for numerous home invasions, occupied burglaries, and the theft of large amounts of personal property. Citizens had been victimized in Miami-Dade County, South Miami, and several residences in Coral Gables. Sgt. Johnston decided to target the South Dixie Highway area, believing that the subject was using the highway as his entry and escape during these crimes.

At the intersection of Red Road and South Dixie Highway, Sgt. Johnston observed a white Sequoia northbound on South Dixie, with left rear end damage, which matched the BOLO. Sgt. Johnston immediately advised dispatch of the vehicle description and direction. He began following the vehicle as it approached Granada Boulevard and South Dixie. As units responded to the area to provide assistance, Sgt. Johnston advised that the vehicle was taking evasive action to see if he was being followed. With back-up units in place, Sgt. Johnston attempted to initiate a felony traffic stop, at which point the subject refused to stop and began to flee.

Sgt. Johnston and the responding units pursued the stolen vehicle east through yards and private property until proceeding east in the south alley of the 800 and 700 blocks of south Dixie Highway, reaching speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour. With a total disregard for his or anyone else’s safety, the subject approached the end of the alley, Orduna Drive. Unaware that the alley ended there, the subject failed to negotiate the northbound turn onto Orduna Drive, crashing through two concrete walls and into the bedroom of a ground floor apartment. After a short foot pursuit and taster deployment, the subject was taken into custody.

In conclusion, due to Sgt. John Johnston’s dedication to duty, excellent skills of observation and outstanding efforts, a dangerous felon is off the streets unable to perpetrate any more occupied home invasion while preying on innocent lives.

Officer Eduardo Cabral and Officer Michael Radley

On June 4, 2004, Officers Eduardo Cabral and Michael Radley were dispatched to the Merrick Educational Center located at 39 Zamora Avenue in response to a burglar alarm. The Miami-Dade School Board police were advised however their estimated time of arrival would be 15 minutes. When Officers Cabral and Radley arrived at the scene, they observed two bicycles in the rear of the school and heard movement inside the building. The officers observed the lights inside one of the classrooms go on and off. Upon asking for additional units to respond to the scene, suspecting that a burglary was in progress, they observed the figures of two subjects running on the second floor of the school. A perimeter was established and K9 Officer Radley and the School Board Officers entered the building conducting a systematic search of the building. K9 Officer Radley located two burglars who were hiding in the catwalk between two of the school’s building.

During the interrogation of the two burglars by Officer Radley and Officer Cabral, the two subjects confessed that they were responsible for the burglary at the Miami Senior High School and the Coral Gables Senior High School. In addition, they provided more information of other individuals were also involved in the school burglaries.

In conclusion, Officer Cabral and Radley effectively caught the two burglars who were responsible for burglarizing and vandalizing schools in the local area.