Showing posts with label Crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crime. Show all posts

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Reward Increased For Information On Palmetto Bay Murder

Reward Increased For Information On Palmetto Bay Murder: The reward for information leading to an arrest in a Palmetto Bay murder has been increased.

Miami-Dade police said up to $15,000 is now being offered to find the person who killed 22-year-old Aaron Swerdloff.


Please assist our Palmetto Bay family. Anyone who has any tips should report them to our Village Policing Unit and County Police.

On January 6th, police were sent to the area of SW 92nd Avenue and SW 176th Street after they received reports of gunfire.

Friday, January 15, 2021

Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau seek assistance from the public in recent murder at SW 92nd Av & 176th Street

Information provided below. Did you see or hear of anything? There was a murder on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau are seeking assistance from the public.

Please call (305) 471 - TIPS (8477) if you have anyone information. Other methods of contacting MDPD are included in the bulletin posted above.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Crime is up - help by being the eyes and ears of our police. Be your brother's keeper.

Palmetto Bay has seen a recent uptick in crime. Many people are home - working from home, home schooling, obeying the stay at home order.

Many people have lost their job due to their business not being considered an essential business. Crime is not an essential business, but criminals think they make their own rules. Help prove them wrong.

This crime occurred on Friday, April 3, 2020 at SW 87 Court and 161st Street. A brazen daytime theft of $20,000 in tools were stolen from a contractor working at the Palmetto Bay home. The Village Police have report. This is a still photo taken from a door bell camera. Please be the eyes and ears for your neighbors - keep an eye out for those who are taking advantage of the situation to steal.

The still photo posted below was taken from the neighbor's Ring Doorbell. Police report filed.The vehicle appears to be a dark Nissan Rouge.

Call 911 if it is ongoing. See something, say something.


See something suspicious? Take photos.

Police Reports and Other Service Requests

Palmetto Bay’s Policing Unit offers a variety of services to the Palmetto Bay residents through its ever popular Community Outreach Program.  Click on one (or more) of the links below and learn how you can establish a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program with your neighbors, have an officer inspect your business or home and provide useful feedback for security enhancements and pointers, request an off-duty police officer, and more!

Friday, February 14, 2020

Valentine's Day as a day of remembrance for Parkland victims - WLRN - 'Anguish In The Aftermath': MSD Survival Stories On Display In Tallahassee By Caitie Switalski

Lives lost and other lives irrevocably changed forever. Remembering February 14, 2018: 
Teachers, students, and families from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School don't want people to forget how their lives were changed when a shooting claimed 17 lives on campus a year and a half ago. 
See WLRN Valentine's Day as a day of remembrance for Parkland victims -  'Anguish In The Aftermath': MSD Survival Stories On Display In Tallahassee By Caitie Switalski 
Photo - CBS News

See: CBS local 4 - Remembering The Victims Of The Parkland School ShootingFebruary 14, 2019

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Help prevent animal cruelty. Request is made for anyone with information to report it.

Please keep an eye out and assist in apprehension. On Sunday, October 27, 2019, a resident observed a peahen with two metal darts embedded in its body. This resident was able to remove one of the darts before the peahen flew away.

Anyone with information is asked to assist in solving a case of animal cruelty.

Thank you to the Palmetto Bay resident who was able to take action and assist this peahen before it flew off.

If you know anything about this crime, please call Detective Enrique Sanchez at 305-278-4014 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.


Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Village Hall damage assessment - providing photos to aid in Village Residents assessing the situation.

I have requested photographs documenting the damage. I have heard figures of up to $500,000 in damage. A half a million dollars.  That is a substantial loss form a significant rampage. Village Hall belongs to the tax paying residents, not any one elected or charter official, so the residents do have the right to know how this happened, the damage, and at what cost will areas be restored. 

This event was described in a Miami Herald article - Cops: Man smeared own blood on walls, caused $500K in damages to Palmetto Bay Village Hall, by Martin Vassolo, April 6, 2019, as follows:
During a 56-minute onslaught inside an empty government building in Palmetto Bay Village, a homeless man smeared his own blood on “all the walls in all the offices” of Village Hall, grabbed an American flag from reception and destroyed office equipment, technology and artwork valued at about $500,000, police say.
When the incident ended, 38-year-old Holdson Marcelin dragged the U.S. flag -- now slightly burnt at the end and stained with his blood -- with him as he walked away from the building and appeared to disappear in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The scene of wanton destruction was captured on surveillance footage, which police used to identify Marcelin. (Bold type emphasis added) 

There are many questions, but many discussions held among Village Residents (who are interested in this crime) focus on the same thought:

What action has been taken by the manager and/or the Village Council to make this building more secure today than it was the night it was vandalized?

Again, this is one of the people's buildings, a village asset that belongs to everyone who therefore has the right, the expectation, that they will have the answers.

Here are the photos provided to me from a FOSDU. I am thankful that some of the significant Village Artwork appears intact, at least from what I can see from these photos.
Below are some of the items that I am concerned about. I have not heard or seen any damage reports concerning the following, including Gerry Stecca's MIAMI VINE (Below far right) - was this still on display in the lobby of the Village of Palmetto bay Municipal Building at time of the rampage? Is so, what is the condition of it. Let's hope it is safe.

Above left - a very sentimental Eagle Scout project displayed at Village Hall. (Has our Eagle Scout been notified?) Above right, award received regarding Palmetto Bay's Sustainability efforts.
Above left and right, evidence of vandalism that either can remain scarred for posterity or, in the case of the certificate (above right) are easily replaced, if need be.

Below left and right, empty hallways - are items that used to hand on these walls irreparably damaged or simply our for cleaning/restoration?
 
Below left and right, more empty walls and damage (or clean up residue) evident to Council Chamber doors.
The AV monitors appear smashed in parts or not working due to other related damage. More to come on that area of damage (below left - in chambers. Below Right, entry way monitor displays what appears to be damage to the broadcast system.):
RELATED PRIOR POST - follow the link to read (and view exterior photos from) the original post of April 4, 2019, BOLO - Mug Shot released to alleged vandal. Suspect is considered Armed and Dangerous. Palmetto Bay Municipal Center Vandalized. Village Hall closed April 4 and 5th 2019.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Just for fun - SafeWise released their fifth annual Safest Cities report. See where Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest are ranked.

There are always ranked lists distributed. SafeWise is one such group.  Follow this link for more information about SafeWise, as stated by SafeWise: https://www.safewise.com/about/

Taken verbatim from the social media post: 
SafeWise is happy to release our fifth annual Safest Cities report. Here are the 50 Safest Cities in Florida for 2019. See if your city made the list.
This year we expanded our Florida list from 20 safe cities to 50, and every city that made our list last year is included again. But four did fall out of the top 20—Edgewater, Cape Coral, North Palm Beach, and Coconut Creek. Even so, all 50 cities limited violent crime to fewer than 2.5 incidents per 1,000 people, which is nearly half the national violent crime rate of 4.49. And these cities can be extra proud because Florida overall is a bit over the national rate, coming in at 4.81 incidents per 1,000 people.
CLICK HERE to view the actual link. Enjoy. - 

Oh, and SPOILER ALERT - Pinecrest is ranked #10, Palmetto Bay is #49.

Miami-Dade County fared well on the list of top 50. The Miami-Dade County municipalities are excerpted, posted below in order of ranking (click on the photo to view enlarged):




Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Video - Oregon man tries stealing bike in front of police station, immediately gets arrested

This is too good not to share. Thrill seeker or just plain dumb? A man trying to steal a bicycle was caught red-handed – trying to steal a bike from outside a police station. (kudos to the police for being a bike-friendly ‘business’ and providing a solid bike rack). Great work to the officer who made the arrest – and saved time in transporting the alleged thief to the station.

See the news story (which I first saw on the morning news, Wednesday, January 2, 2019). I found an original report - Oregon man tries stealing bikein front of police station, immediately gets arrested, by Bopha Phorn, Jan 1, 2019.

A suspect begins to try to unlock a bicycle from the bike rack right outside the building when an officer walks out and catches him red handed. 

Thursday, December 27, 2018

POD #2 - screen shot of a crime in progress, Can anyone identify?

The photo above was provided by a resident, taken from their home surveillance, through the "Around Palmetto Bay" Facebook forum. I cannot state the exact crime, or case number that it matches up to

Does this photo provide any stimulus to anyone regarding any recent crimes? It is unfortunate that crime happens. We cannot ignore or deflect it, leadership requires accuracy and action. Please click onto the headline to view my 2006 article addressing Crime in our village - Village residents are essential element of crime reduction team, By MAYOR EUGENE P. FLINN, June 2006.

CLICK HERE to view the Palmetto Bay Police Page. There are many resources posted there including the long running "lock it or Lose it"program info, Crime & Incident Reports and Maps, as well as links to Florida Sexual Offenders & Predators (where you might be surprised at some of the listings). This information is there as part of the commitment from our village police to work with our village residents to fight crime here in Palmetto Bay.

You can also follow the links below to find Service Request Forms

Thursday, May 10, 2018

MDPD / Palmetto Bay Policing Unit / 911 Dispatchers recognized at the May Doral City Council Meeting.

Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Burmudez and City Council recognized MDPD / Palmetto Bay Policing Unit at the May City Council Meeting.
It was an honor to be present at Doral city council chambers as mayor Juan Bermudez and the city council recognize our Palmetto Bay Policing unit and the Miami Dade County Police Department for their brave actions and service the night Village resident / Doral officer, Lt. King and his wife were attacked in their driveway.
Lieutenant King is a long time Palmetto Bay resident who was followed home from Home Depot in Pinecrest where he was attacked, robbed and shot in his driveway.
Congratulations to Doral PD on their 10 year anniversary.

Our best wishes to Lt King and his family for their recovery. We support our police!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

UPDATE - Condition of Moony, neighborhood cat injured by Dart. Opportunity to donate.

My heartfelt thanks again to those compassionate neighbors who helped out on the neighborhood cat named Moony. 

Moony the cat is now resting comfortably in a local safe house located at an undisclosed location of Palmetto Bay (OK, its one of the worst kept 'secrets'.  The cat is with local pet rescue activist Cindy Hewitt).  The cat is still under care of Miami-Dade County Animal Services.

I visited Moony Sunday morning, March 11, 2018. Moony looked much better from the last time I saw him - when he still had the dart embedded in his head.

Cindy Hewitt has been fielding questions from many fellow residents about donating.  Cindy posted the following on the Facebook Page, Palmetto Bay's Lost and Found Animals:
In response to folks who have asked about donating towards Moony’s care: While there is no veterinary charge for Moony’s care, MDAS incurred veterinary & forensic expenses. If you want to support their efforts to sustain/increase the live release rate at the shelter (currently around 90% for both dogs & cats), the Animal Services Trust Fund accepts contributions (tax deductible). Checks should be made payable to Miami-Dade Animal Services with Animal Services Trust Fund on the memo line. Mailing address is 3599 NW 79 Ave Doral 33122. Contributions can also be made online at www8.miamidade.gov under the news and events tab, but I could only find a direct deposit form for county employees.
Or CLICK HERE for a link to the Animal Services page - scroll down for a link to report Animal Cruelty.  You can also CLICK HERE to go to a donation page. 

Please do not forget our local animal rescue groups who work so hard to help our furry companions.  I will be posting updates in the future spotlighting these groups.
 
This case remains an open animal cruelty investigation.  Please see a prior post: March 9, 2018, Miami-Dade County, Village Policing Unit & Miami-Dade/Florida Keys Crime Stoppers are seeking your help. Neighborhood cat injured by dart



Thank you to everyone who has been so concerned and inquiring as to how they can help.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Monthly Crime stats posted on the official Palmetto Bay website. Important information.

Palmetto Bay provides monthly crime stats on the official village web site. The stats are important for our village police to determine staffing levels and to adjust village protection.

Please follow the link (CLICK HERE) to find the following:

Monthly Location Maps
Monthly Statistics
The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit provides monthly statistics for residential burglaries, traffic enforcement, and vehicle burglaries.
Statistics can be found and downloaded from the website.

Additional Information
If you have information about any crimes or incidents, please contact the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location Maps
Click on the links below to download/ read the location maps for monthly residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and traffic enforcement.

    Location Maps of Residential Burglaries (Monthly)
    Location Maps of Vehicle Burglaries (Monthly)
    Location Maps of Traffic Enforcement (Monthly)

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Palmetto Bay Crime/Safety update - Palmetto Bay Police Enhances Its Citizen Protection Strategy

Our police are responding to the recent car break-ins. The following information was presented at our December Regular Village Council meeting.  The following was posted on the official Palmetto Bay website (CLICK HERE to view the information online)
As many of you know, there were a series of vehicle break-ins over the weekend, scattered over areas from SW 136 Street to SW 160 Street. A total of 35 vehicles were affected and 21 incidents have been reported so far (some homes had more than one car broken into.) The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. A resident provided video footage from their Ring doorbell camera which shows how quickly the perpetrators moved through the area. 
DNA was collected at the scene and our policing unit has increased its presence in the area. The unit’s command staff had previously implemented its annual Grinch Busters initiative, which augments police presence in areas shown to have an increase in criminal activity based on trend and intelligence data. This initiative has proven to decrease criminal activity during the holiday season. Compared to 2016, robberies are down 18% as a result of the Grinch Busters action plan. 
Immediately following this event, the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit adjusted its strategy to further protect the residents of the Village. Our officers are on high alert and will be working additional hours as necessary. Nevertheless, we ask residents to help us in this endeavor. 
During our regular Council meeting this past Monday, the Police Commander, Major Serralta asked that anyone with information should contact our policing unit. Major Serralta also encouraged all residents to please contact the Miami-Dade County Police Non-Emergency line to report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Miami-Dade County handles all dispatch services for the Village of Palmetto Bay and will dispatch a Palmetto Bay officer to the area 24/7. In the event of an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. 
Unfortunately, the holiday season is a time of heightened criminal activity. Please stay alert and aware of your surroundings, lock your homes and vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the police. Our priority is to ensure your safety and we are working harder than ever to protect you.
Palmetto Bay Policing Unit: 305-278-4000
Miami-Dade County Non-Emergency Line: 305-479-5423 (305-4-POLICE)
Miami-Dade County Emergencies: 9-1-1

<<<Also see our list of Holiday Safety Tips>>>

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Please see my prior related posted:

Be a "Grinch Buster" - Your Policing Unit Offers These Holiday Safety Tips (December 5, 2017), and:

CRIME ALERT - at least 17 vehicles broken into overnight Sat/Sun, 12/2-12/3. Please report suspicious activity. (December 3, 2017)



Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Be a "Grinch Buster" - Your Policing Unit Offers These Holiday Safety Tips

The Holiday Season is indeed the "most wonderful time of the year", but with an increase in gift-buying and receiving comes an increase in opportunistic crimes and your Palmetto Bay Policing Unit does not want you to be a victim!  Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind during the holidays to ensure your safety and that of your home and valuables:

When shopping...as the holiday season approaches, malls, local retailers, and grocery stores are more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. Keep the following safety tips in mind when going out to shop (and the rest of the year, too!)
  • Keep careful track of your bags and other packages. 
  • Report any unattended packages to security or staff.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
  • Be sure not to buy more than you can carry.
  • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
  • Have your car keys ready before you start walking to your car.
  • When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
  • Double check that you have your credit cards and check book after you pay for your items.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car or anywhere visible.
  • Make sure your car is locked.
If you go shopping with children over the next several weeks, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety:
  • Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
  • Make a plan with children in case you get separated.
  • Go over the dangers of strangers with them.
  • Do not allow children to walk alone to the car.
  • Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.
For Your Home...last but not least!
  • When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick-up your newspapers and mail. You can also call the Policing Unit (305) 278-4001, and have a Watch Order placed on your home.
  • Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Download a copy of this list and go over these items with your family members and friends.  Print a copy and put it in a place where everyone in your household can see them.  Do not fall victim to a crime this holiday!

Sunday, December 3, 2017

CRIME ALERT - at least 17 vehicles broken into overnight Sat/Sun, 12/2-12/3. Please report suspicious activity.

Please take extraordinary care in regards to securing your valuables and report anything and everything suspicious.  At least 17 vehicles were broken into over night - this time windows were broken.

Please be advised that in the morning hours today (Saturday evening / Sunday AM - 12/3/2017) it appears that at least two groups of vehicle burglars broke into at least 17 cars. The victims are scattered around and that number will probably grow. Unlike what what we have seen in the past, most of the windows have been smashed rather than unlocked doors.

The incidents reported (as of this update) occurred in the following areas:  
7 break-ins between 150 to 160 Street and 87 to 84 Avenue.
7 break-ins between 136 to 148 Street and 74 to 82 Avenue.
Other areas will be updated.

Please, and at the urging of Village Police, you are encouraged to file a report if you have been victimized.  And again, the Village Police request that you report suspicious vehicles / persons regularly.


Police will be adjusting their schedules and assignments to combat this situation.  Your reports will assist greatly in police response to crime in our Village.

Your Mayor,


Eugene Flinn - eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov 

Relevant online links, Village of Palmetto Bay:
March 3, 2010: Spike on local auto burglaries prompts Palmetto Bay Policing Unit to share safety times to thwart crime

Crime Prevention Information 
    Lock it or Lose It Campaign- See video
    Neighborhood Crime Watch Program (countywide)- contact Officer Judge for details specific to Palmetto Bay.
    Crime Prevention Tips(from the official village website):

  • Lock your doors:  many burglaries occur when vehicles are left unlocked. Car burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Criminals will park their car at one end of the street and then simply walk down the block to scope out which cars are unlocked. 
  • Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle: leaving items of value inside your car, such as purses, computer bags, gym bags, cell phones, iPods, etc., make it easier for thieves to see and want your stuff. Thieves look in, see the item, and either simply open the door or quickly smash a locked car’s window. 
  • Stay vigilant:  be mindful of your surroundings and your actions.  Stay alert and be cautious.
  • Call 911 if your car is broken into:  call the police by dialing 9-1-1 and do not touch, disturb, or move anything until they arrive at the scene. Police will respond and process the scene for possible fingerprints and or other trace evidence, such as DNA, in order identify the subjects. Too often, the victim cleans up the car or moves things around to see what is missing,  and, in doing so, contaminates the scene and crucial evidence is lost.
The Village’s General Investigative Unit (GIU) has the latest crime scene equipment for improved crime-scene photography, documentation, and evidence collection, including wet-surface collection and casting footprints and tire prints. This state-of-the-art equipment allows Officers and Detectives the ability to better identify and prosecute criminals. Partner with your Police;  it takes a partnership to reduce crime.

Please also see the official Village web page 

Crime & Incident Reports

Weekly Reports

The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit provides a "Crime and Incident Report" by Wednesday of every week summarizing the previous week's activity.


Additional Information
If you have information about any crimes or incidents, please contact the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Update on Saturday, 4/29/2017 Cyclist Hit & Run - Police seek your help - BOLO Flyer

Update on the Saturday, April 29, 2017 hit and run.  MDPD has put out a flyer providing information.  Event to be featured on WSVN Channel 7 by Rosh Lowe this evening (Tuesday, 5/2/2017 - and will be updated here when video available).  Police need your help.
On Saturday, April 29, 2017, at approximately 7:40 a.m., a black 2013 Honda Civic (similar vehicle depicted on attached flyer) is believed to have been involved in a hit & run accident involving injuries. The accident occurred at 82nd Avenue SW 161st Street, in Palmetto Bay. The vehicle is missing the driver's side-view mirror due to the accident. The driver is described as a white male with black hair in his early 20's. If anyone has any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous. Please stay tuned for our media release.
Prior post: April 29, 2017, Community Alert - hit and run accident in Palmetto Bay causing non-life threatening injuries to 3 cyclists.. Seeking information.  

Again, this is my personal note: This is a serious matter. I am asking anyone who knows something to speak up.  Do not get involved in covering up.  The driver may be prosecuted under the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act for leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries.





Saturday, April 29, 2017

Community Alert - hit and run accident in Palmetto Bay causing non-life threatening injuries to 3 cyclists.. Seeking information.

A hit and run accident occurred the morning of Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Three cyclists suffered non-life threatening injuries, transported to Jackson South.  We need your help. 
.
From MDPD/Village of Palmetto Bay Policing Unit:
We need your help. During morning hours of Saturday, April 29, 2017, three (3) cyclists were struck during their morning ride, causing injuries. The accident occurred at 82nd Avenue SW 161st Street in Palmetto Bay. The hit & run vehicle is described as a black, newer model Honda Civic missing its driver's side-view mirror. The driver of the vehicle is described as a young, white male, wearing a black top. If you have any information, we kindly ask that you contact Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Thank you.
My personal note: This is a serious matter. The driver may be prosecuted under the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act for leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

I am always available for meetings. In depth. Let's meet and discuss issues - on your time.

I don't keep "regular office hours" as concerns come up anytime, on any day.  Weekends, weekdays, morning, noon or early evening  though I have yet for anyone to request to join me on one of my 'insomnia (bike) rides'. 

I will meet at Village Hall, your home, at a neutral location - as well as the location of the concern.

This week included:
A Friday drive with a resident of Malbrook (no photo taken - we toured area traffic hot spots, the PBVC, Village Hall)
An evening meeting with the Underwood family - viewing their neighborhood cut through issue.
A meeting with home owners - Crimewatch meeting where we discussed recent crime trends, traffic, downtown Palmetto Bay and the PBVC.
Feel free to contact me at either (305) 302-3713 or via e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov to set up a conference. 

Your voice matters. I am here to represent you!

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay