The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for June is Detective Alanzo Rhymer, who is currently assigned to the General Investigation Unit. Sergeant Trevor Shinn nominated him after recongnizing his perseverance and dedication to duty in the following cases:

On June 18, 2009, a woman was brutally attacked and robbed while she was walking to her friend's house. She was attacked from behind, knocked to the ground and punched in the face more than 20 times by the subject. He also kicked her about her body then forcibly stole her handbag. The attack was so violent that the victim's dentures were knocked from her mouth and an earring was ripped from her ear. She was transported to Jackson Hospital for treatment. A witness observed the crime and gave important information to Detective Rhymer. He spoke to the manager of the apartment complex the subject was seen entering with the purse an obtained the video. With the help of the Crime Analyst, he quickly identified the subject. A team of detectives responded to the subject’s residence but he refused to open the door. After 30 minutes of negotiating, he opened the door and was arrested, confessing to the whole incident.

In addition to this case, he has recently investigated three other violent felonies, which resulted in the arrest of the offenders. On May 1 2009, he responded to a bank robbery and obtained the video surveillance. The subject was identified, located and arrested within days of the robbery. On June 4, 2009, one day after an armed carjacking, he located and arrested the subject,. On June 11, 2009, he arrested a subject who was in possession of stolen property belonging to another armed robbery victim.

Due to Detective Rhymer’s tenacity and dedication, he was selected as Officer of the Month for June 2009. He will be honored at the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held monthly at the Miami Shores Country Club on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Noon.

• "OFFICER OF THE MONTH" - MAY 2009 - MICHAEL GAUDIO