Fontana Police Department recently honored four officers for their exceptional work in solving a series of robberies in the area. Officers Garrett Gooselaw, Travis Marshall, Christopher Oropesa, and Celestine Cazares were recognized as Employees of the Month for April at a Fontana City Council meeting.
The commendation stemmed from an incident on April 24 when Gooselaw and Marshall responded to a strong-arm robbery at the Indoor Swap Meet. The suspect forcefully took a gold chain from the victim and fled in a vehicle. Thanks to the victim providing the suspect’s license plate number, the officers swiftly identified the suspect through a photo lineup at the scene.
Shortly after, Oropesa handled another strong-arm robbery at a local supermarket involving the same suspect and vehicle fleeing the scene. The information was relayed to the Rialto Police Department, leading to the suspect’s apprehension in Rialto. Gooselaw and Marshall then arrested the suspects, retrieved the victims’ belongings, and obtained confessions from the culprits.
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Following the arrests, Redlands and San Bernardino police departments informed Fontana officers of similar robberies in their jurisdictions. Redlands detectives secured confessions related to their cases, while San Bernardino authorities committed to further investigation based on the shared information.
The Fontana Police Department praised the collaborative efforts of its officers and external agencies in successfully resolving the string of robberies. This incident exemplifies the importance of teamwork and coordination among law enforcement agencies in combating crime effectively.
Such swift and coordinated responses to criminal activities not only ensure justice for victims but also demonstrate the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement officers in upholding public safety. The recognition of these officers highlights the crucial role that proactive policing plays in maintaining community security and trust.
Indoor swap meets like the one in San Bernardino, CA, serve as bustling hubs for commerce and social interaction. However, incidents like the robberies solved by the Fontana officers underscore the need for vigilance and law enforcement presence in such public spaces to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety of patrons and vendors.
By honoring the exemplary work of these officers, the Fontana Police Department not only acknowledges their dedication and competence but also sends a strong message about the importance of collaborative policing efforts in addressing and preventing crime in the community. Such recognition serves to motivate and inspire other law enforcement personnel to continue serving with excellence and commitment.
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