The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is pleased to announce Officers Tracy Postell and Charles Woods have been awarded the departmental Silver Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Awards, and selected to share Distinguished Officer of the Month honors for April 2008.  Officer Postell has been a Department member since June 1995 and Officer Woods since August 2006.   They are both assigned to the Intracoastal District.

On January 13, 2008, Officers Postell and Woods were dispatched to a violent disturbance in Miami-Dade County.  Upon arrival, they heard a woman screaming from one of the apartments.  As they approached, a male voice from inside the apartment stated that the police were not needed.  However, a female was heard screaming in agony and requesting help.  The man continued to refuse entry, at which point Officer Woods kicked in the front door.

Upon entering, the officers saw an elderly woman lying on the floor in a pool of blood, her feet tied together with electrical cord. The subject was observed actively burning the victim with cooking utensils.  Realizing that the victim had sustained life-threatening injuries and was in additional peril, Officers Woods and Postell rushed the subject and pinned him to the floor. 

The woman was transported to the hospital with serious lacerations, burns, and blunt force trauma to her head.  Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect falsely imprisoned the victim, sexually assaulted her, and told her that “Today is the last day of your life.”

The officers are commended for their teamwork and prompt actions that resulted in the apprehension of a violent subject and saved the life of a citizen. 

Prepared by:
Sandra G. Kramer
Media Relations Bureau