Crime Statistics

Monthly Crime Briefings & Crime Prevention Tips:

Briefings are posted here monthly and broadcast on AVTV - Channel 77 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Officer of the Month Narrative

For the month of February, two patrol officers, Ofc. L. Chaidez and M. Freeman were awarded Officer of the Month for their shared roles in apprehending the subject. Crime Scene Technician Anna Howell was also awarded the Bi-Monthly Civilian Award for her part in the same incident.

On February 1, 2008 CST Anna Howell was processing a major burglary scene where over $20,000 in property was taken from a residence in Villa Dorado. While processing the scene, CST Howell observed a large crowd forming outside of the residence, and requested for back-up to respond and assist.  

Officer Madison Freeman responded and assisted CST Howell with crowd control and other aspects of the Crime Scene. Utilizing his training, experience, and previous knowledge as a detective, Officer Freeman observed a male that appeared to be “scoping out” the crime scene that was being processed. Taking a keen interest in this individual, Officer Freeman observed band-aids and blood on one of the male's hands. Officer Freeman requested back-up, CPU, and for consent for a DNA form to be brought to the scene.  

When the CPU burglary investigator arrived on scene, Officer Freeman observed something that directed his attention to a storage closet in the vicinity of the burglarized apartment.  When the subject observed Officer Freeman’s interest in this closet, he took off running into the parking lot and attempted to flee toward Aventura Boulevard. Officer Freeman persued on foot and requested units for back-up as the subject headed toward West Country Club Drive.  

Officer Luis Chaidez heard the back-up request, responded to the area and located the subject running behind buildings.  Officer Chaidez was able to catch the subject who was still running at full speed.  The subject resisted Officer Chaidez, and was subsequently tasered and taken into custody without further incident. A piece of jewelry was found on the subject, which was later identified as taken during the burglary.   The subject was transported to Aventura Hospital, where it was later determined that he was under the influence of different types of narcotics.   It was eventually determined that the male had committed this burglary, and stored the items taken in the above listed storage room.  

Civilian Bi-Monthly Award:
Ana Howell, Crime Scene Technician

Becuase of CST Howell's quick response in calling for backup, Officers Freeman and Chaidez were able to apprehend the individual responsible for the crime. Crime Scene Technician Howell processed this large scene, including blood in many areas of the apartment, and helped recover over $20,000 of electronics, and jewelry, which was eventually returned to the victim.

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