The Miami-Dade Police Department is proud to announce that the following Cutler Ridge District officers have been selected to share Distinguished Officer of the Month honors for December 2007:

On September 13, 2007, the Cutler Ridge District implemented a proactive crime reduction initiative designed to identify and arrest individuals responsible for committing burglaries, auto thefts, and robberies. 

At approximately 11:10 a.m., Officer Jose Somohano and Officer Christopher Carlin, who were riding as a two-person unit, observed Mr. Shawn LaBeet driving his vehicle erratically through the Sea Pines community.  They followed the subject and identified themselves as police officers, but Mr. LaBeet fled on foot with both officers in pursuit.  Officers Somohano and Carlin then separated in an attempt to establish a perimeter around the complex.  In the meantime, Mr. LaBeet was able to enter a residence and subsequently discharged a firearm through the front window, striking Officer Somohano. 

Officer Carlin advised over his radio that shots were being fired and other officers quickly responded to assist.  As Officer Carlin responded to the front of the residence to aid Officer Somohano, Mr. LaBeet, who was wearing a bullet-proof vest, engaged Officer Carlin with an assault rifle.  Officer Carlin was able to seek cover behind a vehicle as Mr. LaBeet fired his weapon toward him.  Officer Carlin discharged his weapon in a defensive posture to stop the assault.  During the exchange, Officer Carlin sustained a wound to his right leg and was pinned down behind the vehicle.

After being advised that the subject was armed with an assault rifle, several officers advanced into the area, placing themselves in the line of fire while trying to save Officers Somohano and Carlin.  Sergeants Manuel Blanco, Anthony Warren, and Officer Darren McQueen, approached from the west and quickly concealed themselves behind vehicles as the subject continued to engage them. 

Officers Jody Wright, Jairo Barosela, and Orlando Lopez advanced toward the residence as well, and were quickly met with a barrage of bullets.  As a result, Officer Wright sustained a severe gunshot wound to her right leg, causing her to seek cover near an air conditioning unit. 

Officers Barosela and Lopez were pinned down behind a vehicle as Mr. LaBeet continued to shoot.  As requests for assistance and “officer down” notifications were being transmitted, Officer Tundidor drove into the complex and stopped his vehicle near Officer Somohano in an attempt to rescue him.  Unaware of Mr. LaBeet’s exact location, he also met with gunfire, which penetrated the police vehicle.  Bullet fragments caused injuries to his leg and he was eventually transported to a hospital for treatment.

Officers Clifton Baldwin and Miguel Perez attempted to reach Officer Somohano while taking cover behind a building due to the gunfire.  At the same time, Officer Angela Berry took a position within 50 yards from the shooting scene, where she concealed herself behind a tree. When Mr. Labeet fled the scene, she was able to reach Officer Wright and render assistance.

Mr. LaBeet eventually entered his vehicle and drove it in the direction of Officers Barosela and Lopez, who discharged their weapons to protect themselves.  Despite their efforts, Mr. LaBeet was able to escape the area.  Not knowing if there was more than one assailant, Sergeants Blanco and Warren coordinated the rescue of all four downed officers, calling upon Officers Ronald Zapustas and Barosela to assist by transporting Officer Somohano to a safer location for emergency treatment by Fire Rescue.  Unfortunately, he did not survive his injuries.  Officer Wright was transported to Jackson Memorial Ryder Critical Care Center via air rescue with a severe leg wound, and she is still recovering.  Officers Tundidor and Carlin sustained less serious injuries, and were released from the hospital that same day.

All of the officers involved in this incident faced personal danger to make the community a safer place.  Clearly, their heroic actions saved additional lives.  At no time did any of them consider retreating, despite being outgunned by an assailant with deadly intentions.  They each had only one thing in mind: to save the life of Officer Somohano by whatever means necessary.  Despite the tragic outcome of this incident, they demonstrated unwavering courage. 
The outpouring of community support, both locally and nationally, will continue to glorify Officer Somohano’s memory, and lift the spirit of his comrades.  The injuries sustained during this tragic event are a grim reminder of the dangers police officers face on a daily basis. The entire community joined in wishing each of the injured officers a speedy recovery, and in bidding Officer Somohano a final farewell. 

Officer Somohano’s sacrifice will not be forgotten.  While we share grief over his loss, we have gathered strength from the knowledge his comrades survived this incident with inspirational courage.  Collectively, they have set a fine example for others who dedicate their lives to public service. 

Prepared by:
Sandra G. Kramer
Media Relations Bureau