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Congratulations to Sergeant Raiza Mardis, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Year Award,” for 2023.
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Detective Mardis was assigned an attempted residential burglary case which occurred on February 11, 2023 (CGPD Case # 23- 000978). During the course of her investigation, Detective Mardis utilized a wide variety of resources, ranging from local, state, and federal assets to social media investigative tools. Detectives from various agencies assisted the Property Crimes Unit, under the leadership of Detective Mardis, with on-going surveillance and data intelligence.
Due to her on-going efforts, Detective Mardis was able to identify the members of a South American Theft Group (SATG), who were responsible for the above attempted residential burglary, as well as other residential burglaries/crimes throughout the United States. On March 29, 2023, Detective Mardis, along with her Property Crimes Unit, Broward Sheriff's Office Burglary Apprehension Team, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force members located and arrested the ringleader of the SATG. The intelligence gathered by Detective Mardis has assisted our federal partners (i.e., Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, etc.), as well as other agencies throughout the State of Florida with connecting this SATG to other various crimes they have committed.
It is important to note, Detective Mardis is still actively pursuing the other members of this SATG to bring them to justice. As a result of her hard work and dedication in this case, this SATG was dismantled and is no longer targeting residents in the City of Coral Gables and elsewhere. It is without a question, Detective Mardis shall be commended for her commitment to the Coral Gables Police Department and ensuring the community is safe.
Additionally, Detective Mardis assisted the Uniform Patrol Division on an in-progress vehicle burglary which occurred on May 4, 2023, at approximately 4:15 pm (CGPD Case # 23-002940). Detective Mardis heard the call being transmitted over main channel and immediately responded to the incident location to assist with canvassing the area in an unmarked capacity. While canvassing the area, Detective Mardis observed a male who matched the description of the offender walking northbound along the 1200-Blk of Douglas Rd. She then observed the male trying to conceal himself behind a bush at 1206 Douglas Rd. Detective Mardis maintained a visual, while updating officers via the main channel. Patrol units responded and were able to detain the suspect.
A short time later, a show-up was conducted, where the witness positively identified the male as the offender. The offender was arrested and transported to the station to be interviewed by Detective Mardis. Detective Mardis was able to confirm the offender unlawfully entered the vehicle via the statements he provided during questioning. Moreover, Detectives Mardis and Emilio Flores conducted a follow-up investigation related to the motorcycle the offender arrived on. The VIN was altered/scratched off and a screwdriver was inserted in the ignition. Therefore, Detective Flores assisted by obtaining the engine's VIN. As a result, detectives were able to confirm the motorcycle was reported stolen out of the City of Miami. Due to these findings, Detective Flores filed additional charges on the offender for grand theft auto (CGPD Case # 23- 003257).
As evidenced above, Detective Raiza Mardis' exemplary work ethic and dedication to the Coral Gables Police Department and the community she serves, makes her most deserving of the Detective of the 2nd Quarter Award. Detective Mardis is a highly regarded asset to the Criminal Investigations Division; specifically, the Property Crimes Unit.