A Miami-Dade Police Kendall District officer’s quick work to follow a burglary witness’ description earned Officer of the Month honors on May 25.
Kendall District’s Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) praised the work of Officer Michael Batista who followed up a call to a Feb. 11 burglary at Whisperwood Apartments by quizzing the same witness twice, obtaining both a description of the subject and his escape vehicle.
As a result, Batista was able to pick out a blue Ford Explorer with a tag obtained over a BOLO (be on lookout) radio broadcast within a short time after two burglary entries in the complex.
Later, obtaining positive identifications from both witness and victim at the scene, the suspect was charged with two residential burglaries in addition to driving with a suspended license. Open bench warrants later apprehended three felons and the victim’s property was recovered.
Batista was cited for astute observation, alertness and dedication to duty by Maj. James J. O’Donnell, Kendall District commander, and CAC chair Barry White.
