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Congratulations to Officer Nelson Rodriguez, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month Award,” for the month of September 2022.
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I would like to humbly submit, Officer Nelson Rodriguez for Officer of the Month (September 2022). During a DUI checkpoint being hosted by Coral Gables PD, Officer Rodriguez was positioned as a line officer. While completing his duties, he observed a black sedan with dark tints pull into the checkpoint chute. Paying close attention to the movements of the passengers inside of the vehicle, Officer Rodriguez observed the back seat passenger making evasive movements while trying to conceal himself. Officer Rodriguez gave clear, loud verbal commands for the driver to lower all the vehicle windows. As the driver was doing this, Officer Rodriguez saw the handle of an unknown firearm being placed under the seat by the back seat passenger.
Officer Rodriguez shouted out, GUN... GUN ., for all those around to know that he spotted a firearm inside of the vehicle. All the passengers of the vehicle were taken out and placed into custody. Further investigation revealed that the back seat passenger was a convicted felon and should not have been in possession of the firearm. Because of the quick actions taken by Officer Rodriguez, this firearm was taken off the street and out of the hands of a felony. Further investigation of the firearm is still pending.