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Congratulations to Officer Michael Clarke, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of July 2025.
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On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at approximately 1859 hours, a call for service was dispatched to Whole Foods (6701 Red Road) regarding a theft in progress. On arrival, it was determined that the offender had returned after previously stealing several hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise from the same location on April 26th ($621.98) and June 21st ($441.32). Multiple BOLOs had been issued for him, and his history of petit theft extends back to the late 1990s.
Officer Clarke arrived on scene and immediately exited his vehicle on foot when he observed the offender attempting to flee. Officer Clarke pursued the offender southbound on the 6700 block of Red Road. Upon making contact with him in the median, a brief struggle ensued. Officer Clarke maintained his composure, securing the offender with a bear hug before safely assisting him to the ground on the west side of Red Road.
Throughout the encounter, Officer Clarke kept himself composed while maintaining physical control of a combative offender. His clear and calm radio transmissions provided responding units with updates, which allowed them to arrive quickly and assist with the apprehension.
Officer Clarke’s actions directly led to the swift arrest of a repeat offender responsible for multiple shoplifting thefts, while ensuring the safety of bystanders and fellow arriving officers. As a result of Officer Clarke’s actions, four other cases were closed. Officer Clarke’s professionalism, quick response, and decisive action reflect highly on himself, the department and the community he serves daily. I believe Officer Clarke is deserving of the Officer of the Month for July 2025.