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Left: Miguel Galvez Right: Raymond Robertson
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The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is pleased to announce that Narcotics Bureau Detective Raymond Robertson has been awarded the departmental Gold Medal of Valor and Purple Heart Awards and selected Distinguished Officer of the Month for June 2007.
On October 13, 2006, while working a Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) operation within the City of Opa-Locka, Detective Raymond Robertson and City of Opa-Locka Police Department Detective Miguel Galvez were acting as the “eyeball” team, which directs takedown units to the locations where narcotics activity is taking place. Detectives Robertson and Galvez received information from a source that large quantities of narcotics and firearms were being stored in an abandoned apartment located at 13450 Aswan Road.
In an effort to infiltrate and obtain the best possible vantage point to locate the apartment, Detectives Robertson and Galvez utilized a derelict undercover vehicle. Once Detectives Robertson and Galvez arrived at the apartment complex’s parking lot, they observed a subject walking up to their vehicle holding a firearm. In an effort to retreat from the area, Detective Robertson attempted to back out of the parking lot, but another vehicle blocked their route of escape by intentionally rear-ending their vehicle. The subject then opened the driver’s side door, where Detective Robertson was seated, and raised the firearm to eye level. As soon as the subject realized the occupants of the vehicle were police officers, an exchange of gunfire began between the subject and the detectives at point blank range. The subject was hit once in abdomen and fell to the ground just a short distance from the driver’s side door of the detective’s vehicle. While lying on the ground, still armed, the subject continued firing shots in the direction of the detectives’ vehicle.
While the detectives were engaged in a fierce gun battle with the subject lying next to their vehicle, two additional subjects began shooting at them. Still trapped inside the vehicle, the detectives were now being fired at by three subjects simultaneously. In fear for their lives, Detectives Robertson and Galvez both had to return fire at the three subjects. During this exchange of gunshots, Detective Robertson was shot multiple times. Detective Robertson was first shot in the right forearm, which made him switch his gun to his non-dominant hand. After switching hands, he was then shot in his left forearm. Even though he was losing strength in both of his hands, Detective Robertson was able to do a magazine exchange and keep on firing. Another shot grazed Detective Robertson’s right ear. In addition, Detective Robertson was also shot three times in the chest area. His life was spared thanks to his bulletproof vest. With all the shots being fired, Detective Galvez miraculously was never struck.
In an effort to take cover outside of the vehicle, Detective Galvez exited the passenger side. As he opened the door, the subject vehicle rammed the passenger door striking Detective Galvez in the leg. This action caused Detective Galvez to drop his firearm, disarming him. Since shots were still being fired at the driver’s side of their vehicle, Detective Robertson attempted to exit by crawling through the vehicle to the passenger side where he was shot once more. This bullet entered the fleshy area of Detective Robertson’s buttocks and lodged in his groin area.
Detective Robertson, knowing that Detective Galvez was unarmed at this point, had him escape through a hole in the fence while he kept cover for him. Once Detective Robertson realized Detective Galvez had made it through the fence, he also made an attempt to run to safety. Although both Detectives sustained numerous injuries, they ran approximately 100 yards to a convenience store for help. As they were running to the store, they were still being followed by additional subjects who knew they were police officers.
When the detectives entered the store, Detective Robertson relinquished his firearm to Detective Galvez because he was losing consciousness. Detective Galvez used the firearm to keep the subjects who followed them at bay and from entering the store. This gave Detective Galvez an opportunity to call 911 from the store phone and wait for back-up units and Fire Rescue. Detective Robertson was treated on the scene for his injuries and transported to the Ryder Trauma Center where he underwent several surgeries. Detective Galvez was treated for his wound and transported to Memorial Regional West.
The initial subject who had confronted the detectives was found deceased in the rear of the parking lot. After an extensive and in-depth investigation, the two other subjects who had shot at Detectives Robertson and Galvez were identified, arrested, and are presently awaiting trial.
Detective Robertson, who was shot seven times, miraculously survived. After a period of recovery he has returned to full duty, truly illustrating his dedication to duty. Detectives Robertson and Galvez experienced every law enforcement officer’s worst fear and survived. Their fighting spirit and unwillingness to give up are an inspiration to all law enforcement officers and a credit to themselves and the entire law enforcement community. City of Opa-locka Police Department Detective Miguel Galvez has been awarded the departmental Silver Medal of Honor, the highest award we can bestow upon a non-employee.
Prepared by:
Sandra G. Kramer
Media Relations Bureau
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