Title
Congratulations to Officer Peter Hernandez, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for July 2024.
Body
ACTION/RECOMMENDATION
That Officer Peter Hernandez is recognized as the Officer of the Month for July 2024.
BACKGROUND
On July 1.1, 2024, at approximately 1720 hours, while working on a crime suppression detail Officer Peter Hernandez observed and recognized the offender from Coral Gables Police BOLOs (24-178). The Offender was standing along the median at the intersection of Alhambra circle and Salzedo Street (west side). The Offender had a bicycle and was carrying a green backpack. The Offender had a green Publix bag on the front of the bicycle that appeared full. The Offender was wearing a black T-shirt, black sweatpants and black sneakers. Officer Hernandez advised his fellow CST officer (Alzate) of his observation, and they began to converge on his location.
The Offender proceeded northbound on Salzedo street and began to ride his bicycle and failed to stop at the posted stop sign located at Navarre Ave and Salzedo Street. With the assistance of Officer Alzate, they conducted a traffic stop at the 200 block of Majorca Ave. The Offender provided his full name and DOB. Officer Hernandez had positively identified The Offender to be the subject/offender under case 24003470/ BOLO #24-178. Officer Hernandez immediately contacted Detective Lujan who informed him that the cases were still active and probable cause to arrest existed for The Offender (CGPD cases: 24-003470, 24-003646, 24-00307 1). The Offender was arrested on scene.
Search incident to arrest revealed a blue burnt pipe and tin foil with burnt residue located in the Defendants front sweatpants pockets. The green Publix bag on the bicycle revealed multiple soap products with no receipt.
The green backpack revealed numerous Airwick plugs in scented oils. The Offender did not have a
receipt for any of the items in his possession.
Records check by teletype operator confirmed The Offender to have an active warrant out of Miami Dade county under case: b230 13647 for probation violation in reference to petite theft bond amount: $10,000.
The Offender was transported to Coral Gables Police Department for processing.
The Offender was interviewed by Detective Taha (id: 10443). Post Miranda per form, The Offender admitted the blue burnt pipe and tin foil contained fentanyl.
The Offender admitted the items located in the green Publix bag were stolen from Publix supermarket (2551 Lejeune Road, case 24004634)
The Offender also confessed to shoplifting at DGX Dollar Store, 2300 Salzedo St (Case 24004635).
All property that the Offender had stolen that day was documented and returned to its proper owner (Publix Supermarket and DGX Dollar Store).
In closing the due diligence and keen observation of Officer Peter Hernandez our agency was able to clear 5 open cases of theft, an active Bench warrant, and charge The Offender with drug possession.
SYNOPSIS/CONCLUSION
Officer Hernandez should be recognized as July’s Officer of the Month for his amazing teamwork and quick decisive decision-making ability to combat crime and cleared five cases (Retail thefts, Bench Warrant, and drug possession).