Miami-Dade Police Looking For Stolen Cruiser
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – New surveillance video could be the key in finding out who stole a cruiser from a Miami-Dade police officer's home overnight.
The officer assigned the green and white 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, who lives in the area of SW 276th Street and 167th Avenue, said she noticed it was missing Monday morning around 8:30 a.m.
The homeowner who showed CBS4 the tape said there was unusual amount of activity and a glimpse of what appears to be the stolen car leaving.
"I think you see the car driving by slowly and looking and scoping it out and seeing what trouble you can get into and he came back a second time and then you see a large light turning off," said Christina Ravelo, the homeowner who captured the activity on surveillance.
One car light turns off at 4:53 a.m. and Ravelo believes the thief did that with the stolen cruiser.
Ravelo said she heard from police that the car radio was turned on minutes later.
"Someone turned on the radio at 5 a.m.," she explained.
She also said she saw items indicating someone rummaged through the car before taking it.
"I saw a fluorescent vest on the ground," she said. "They threw out a bunch of stuff."
CBS4's Peter D'Oench tried speaking with the officer, who is not being named to protect her identity.
"Can I talk with you just a second?" he asked.
"I can't talk. You'll have to talk to PIO (public information officer)," she said.
"I'm Peter D'Oench. I'm very sorry about your car. We are trying to help get your cop car back, is that OK," D'Oench followed up with,
"We are trying to get her out of here," another officer responded.
Though the Miami-Dade officer was not able to talk about her stolen cruiser, authorities gave some details about the patrol car.
They have asked for the public's help in finding the car which has license plate number TB2396. The car number, which is listed on the rear of the vehicle, is 1606a.
The officer's neighbors said they were concerned after getting word of the theft.
"I think it's a sad state affairs," said neighbor Joy Smith. "Makes you wonder, what this society is coming to?"
Some neighbors are stunned.
"It's a little scary to think that someone would go after a marked car. I mean maybe it was just a prank, maybe they're going to throw the car away," said Karen Hamilton.
Karen and Rick Hamilton have lived here for 20 years.
While police said the stolen car had no weapons in it, Karen Hamilton is concerned. She believes the cruiser could be used for sinister purposes.
"It definitely puts society at risk because they could come with a marked car and definitely do some bad things with that," said Hamilton.
But Rick Hamilton said he's really not that surprised that it happened.
"It's inevitable. It's where we live, it's a sign of the times," said Rick Hamilton. "They are bold and crazy and they are here."
Miami-Dade police said there is no GPS in the stolen car to be able to track it.
Ravelo said she will show police all of her surveillance tape.
Neighbors call this a very unusual crime for their community.
"We have a fantastic neighborhood. We have a lot of law enforcement. This is very safe. It's unfortunate this happened but we feel safe and secure," Smith said.
Police are not sure if there are any connections to previous cases of police cars being stolen or vandalized.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477. Tips can also be made online at crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip."
