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Congratulations to Officer Ariel Garcia and Officer Reynaldo Abeja-Cortes, recipients of the City of Coral Gables "Officer of the Month Award," for the month of August 2026.
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On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Officer Ariel Garcia and Officer Reynaldo Abeja-Cortes were conducting a Zone 1 saturation detail. Both officers observed two males standing near a black Infiniti, parked on the 100-BLK Antilla Av (east side of Crystal Academy). One of the males was dressed entirely in black clothing, while the other was wearing a white shirt and black pants. Officer Abeja-Cortes approached the Infiniti in attempt to contact the male, who was wearing a black shirt, gray sweatpants, and white shoes. The male immediately began walking westbound toward Ponce de Leon Boulevard before suddenly fleeing from both Officer A. Garcia and Abeja-Cortes on foot. The male continued eastbound along E. Ponce de Leon Boulevard and unlawfully entered Crystal Academy school property by jumping over the perimeter fence, where he concealed himself to evade apprehension. Multiple CGPD Units established a perimeter around the school where the subject was last seen and conducted a search of the area. A short time later, the subject exited the school property on the east side and attempted to flee from Officer Abeja-Cortes by running toward the 100 block of Antilla Avenue where a foot pursuit began. Officer Abeja-Cortes and A. Garcia were able to pursue the subject and detain him within the perimeter. Once the subject was detained, a canvass for the Infiniti and the other male was conducted, yielding negative results. A canvass of the school grounds was conducted where they found vehicle tire lug nuts in the immediate area where the subject was last seen. An additional area canvass was conducted where both subjects were originally seen on the 100-BLK Antilla Av. The results of that canvass revealed a vehicle resting on concrete bricks, missing two tires on the passenger side and the two tires on the driver’s side of the vehicle missing the lug nuts but were still on the victim’s vehicle. The subject that was detained was ultimately arrested for theft of motor vehicle parts and unlawfully entering school grounds.
Due to Officer Ariel Garcia and Officer Reynaldo Abeja-Cortes conducting their assigned directed patrol and catching a crime in progress without being dispatched to a call for service, they have demonstrated a strong work ethic and exceptional initiative that reflects the highest standards of this department. Through quick thinking and sound judgment, both officers were able to prevent additional theft of motor vehicle parts from occurring.
It is for this reason that l am recommending both Officer Ariel Garcia and Officer Reynaldo Abeja-Cortes to be recognized for their efforts via the Officer of the Month Award for August 2026.