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Congratulations to Officers Robert Wentzell and Oswaldo Cabello, recipients of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month Award,” for the month of July 2021.
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I would like to nominate Officer Robert Wentzell and PPO Oswaldo Cabello for their display of courage, professionalism, and excellence on June 29, 2021. On this date, they were confronted with a deadly threat, and were able to take the subject into custody with the least amount of force necessary to affect an arrest.
While eating lunch at 5885 Ponce De Leon, they noticed a drunken patron who was seated adjacent to them at a table outside in the patio area. Without warning or provocation, the Offender removed a firearm from his waistband and slammed it on the table. Officer Wentzell and PPO Cabello took swift action. Officer Wentzell stood up, drew his weapon, and walked toward the threat. Officer Cabello, who had his back turned, instinctively got up and went toward the threat as well. As Officer Wentzell retrieved the firearm, PPO Cabello attempted to physically restrain the Offender. As the Offender continued to resist, he was eventually tasered by Officer Wentzell.
These Officers combined efforts may have averted a tragedy for the Citizens of Coral Gables and for the Coral Gables Police department.