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Congratulations to Officer Andrew Steele, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month Award,” for the month of August 2020. |
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ACTION/RECOMMENDATION
I nominate Officer Andrew Steele to receive the Officer of the Month A ward for his courageous efforts as noted below.
BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at approximately 3 :02 a.m., Coral Gables Police units responded to 905 Alfonso A venue in reference to a diagnosed female consumer having a medical episode in her bedroom. Ms. Kathryne Pfister had called 911 to report her daughter's mental breakdown. Upon the officers' arrival, Ms. Pfister advised that her daughter had locked herself in her bedroom with a knife and threatened to kill herself.
Officers Alexa Becker (ID# 10596), Christopher Hernandez (ID# 10771) and Geronimo Gibson (ID # 11014) approached the locked door and attempted to talk the individual into coming outside of her room. Involved other 1 locked the door and screamed that she had a knife and would kill herself and kill anybody else that tried opening the door.
According to Officer Christopher Hernandez, he had determined that a breach would be necessary to preserve the listed individual's life. Several attempts were made to kick the door while additional units responded with a breaching kit. After a few attempts to kick the door open, the individual opened the door holding a silver knife and screaming. Officer Hernandez deployed his Taser as one prong struck the individual in the upper right chest area, causing her to step back, and shut the door. A second Taser attempt was made by Officer Hernandez, but the door shut close before making contact. A small crowbar was used to open the door; however, it was unsuccessful.
At this time, Officer Andrew Steele (ID# 10591), arrived on scene, approached the door, and kicked it open. After the door was kicked open, Officer Steele noticed the female subject standing in the room with a knife in her right hand. Officer Steele was able to slap the subject's arm away and then proceeded to grab both of her arms and redirect her to the bed. The knife was immediately pulled out of her hands by Officer Steele and she was taken into custody without further incident.
The listed individual was transported to Larkin Hospital by Coral Gables Fire Rescue # 2 (Lt. Tabon, Run# 20-004739) and released to hospital staff for treatment.
SYNOPSIS/CONCLUSION
Based on the demonstrated courageous efforts, Officer Steele was able to disarm a combative subject that had in her possession a knife; while utilizing a minimum use of force. I am recommending that Officer Andrew Steele be recognized for his efforts via the Officer of the Month Award.