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Congratulations to Officer Christopher Challenger, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month Award,” for the month of April 2026.
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On April 14, 2026. Ofc. Challenger (8066) responded to a burglary in progress at 5526 Maggiore St. The victim advised that she was not home but received an alert via her doorbell alarm. The victim advised that at approximately 1342 hours, she was out of her home and received a security camera notification showing a white male wearing a blue hoodie, with a brown/black beard and two backpacks, attempting to open her home door. The victim further explained that she usually leaves her door unlocked when she leaves the house. The victim believes that the suspect was able to open the door due to it being unlocked but did not enter the dwelling. The victim stated that she asked the suspect on her security camera what he was doing on her property. The victim stated that the suspect told her that he was hungry and was looking for food. The victim told the suspect to get off her property and called 911. A BOLO was issued by Officer Fontil. Officer C. Challenger (8066) located a male matching the description provided by the victim at the 400-blk of Como Av. The victim was able to provide first responding officers with a screenshot of the suspect, which confirmed it to be the detained male. Ofc. Challenger advised that Miranda was read per card and that the suspect waived his rights. Ofc. Challenger advised that he asked the suspect what he was doing at 5529 Maggiore St., Ofc. Challenger explained that the suspect told him that he was hungry and looking for food.
Based on his years of experience and drive on finding this subject and getting a confession from the subject. I respectfully recommend Officer Challenger for the Officer of the Month Award for April