Jan 5, 2009 6:33 pm US/Eastern
Two Unmarked Police Cars Set On Fire
Click Here to read the department's policy on securing of weapons.
Unmarked, undercover Police vehicles are burned
CBS4 speaks with one of the officers
KENDALL (CBS4) ―
-
-
Two undercover police officers vehicles were broken into and burned in Kendall.
CBS
Two unmarked police cars were set on fire early Monday morning in a Kendall neighborhood.
A brazen arsonist not only set two police cars on fire, but he also took police badges and credentials and may have stolen some weapons from them as well. Authorities say that's a concern, because the weapons can harm people and take lives; badges and credentials are often used by criminals when they commit robberies and home invasions.
Miami Dade police confirmed that one of the vehicles burned belonged to one of their undercover officers, the other belonged to the City of Doral's Police Department. According to investigators at least one of the cars (the one belonging to the Miami Dade officer) was burglarized before the fire.
Investigators said both the cars, along with a private vehicle that was also parked in the area of 122nd Avenue and Southwest 120th Street, were set on fire around 1:40 a.m. CBS4 is neither naming the officers nor showing their home because they work undercover.
One of the undercover officers told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that she has no idea who would do such a thing to her vehicle. While she was told not to talk about this case, she did confirm that her credentials and badge were stolen from her vehicle.
Miami-Dade Police could not confirm one report that their officer's credentials, badge, bullet proof vest, gun and Taser were all stolen. "The vehicle is being processed to determine exactly what items are missing," said police spokeswoman Rebeca Perez.
Miami-Dade Police policy requires that police weapons and badges be placed in a secure place such as a garage or inside an officer's house when she or he is at home. This policy was tightened up because of what Police called an increase in Miami-Dade in robberies and burglaries and because precautions needed to be taken.
Click Here to read the Miami Dade Police Department's policy on securing of police equipment including weapons.
A third personal vehicle was set on fire as well. All three vehicles were towed from the home.
Neighbors said they were very concerned about what had happened.
"I think it's wrong," said Julian James, "I don't know who 'made' them but it was a pretty messed up thing to do to torch their cars like that."
Walking her dogs before going to work, Miriam Calderin told CBS4, "Nothing like this has ever happened here before. It upsets me that the criminals could have known where the undercover police officers live. That's a huge concern."
"That amazes me too," said neighbor Evelyn Olive. "That someone would be so bold as to do something like that. I mean burning three cars in front of the house of a police officer. That's incredible."
Police say they have no suspect or suspects in this case and it's too early to say if it may be gang related. Doral Police chose not to speak about this case since Miami-Dade Police are leading the investigation, and Miami-Dade Police are not commenting until they can finish processing their officer's car and they can establish what items are missing.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Burned Teen's Family Staying Positive
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
