December 2023

Officer of the Month

Officer Samson Barreau

The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for December 2023 is Officer Samson Barreau. Officer Barreau is assigned to the Uniform Patrol Section. He is being recognized for his outstanding performance for the following incident:

On December 9th, 2023, an unknown male subject wearing a hooded sweater entered the Family Dollar in the center of North Miami. Once inside, the subject brazenly took merchandise without making any attempt to pay. When the cashier blocked his path to prevent him from leaving, the male lifted up his shirt to show her the end of a firearm in his waistband. Fearing for her safety, the cashier backed off and called the police. The last information received by dispatch advised that the subject fled the area on bicycle in a northbound direction. Officer Barreau immediately responded along with back-up units. They meticulously canvassed the area, communicated effectively on the radio and kept themselves apprised of the latest description of the fleeing subject. During an incident like this where the subject is considered armed, the safety of the officers and the community at large is of paramount concern.

Initially, efforts to locate the subject were met with negative results, but Officer Barreau was not discouraged. Officer Barreau responded to the original scene of the crime and gathered new information to aid him in his search. Officer Barreau, along with back-up officers, canvassed the neighborhood a second time with great perseverance. Officer Barreau was able to locate the subject several blocks west of the location in a residential area. 

Upon locating the subject, a new problem arose. He refused to get off the bicycle and surrender peacefully. It was unknown to the officers whether or not he was still armed. Additionally, he continued to ignore all verbal commands that he was given. The units promptly advised on the radio and formulated a strategy to get the subject off the bike in order to apprehend him. With timing, coordination and communication, Officer Barreau and the backup officers were able to triangulate on the subject, removing him from the bike and taking him into custody without incident. 

I am proud to recognize the Courage and Professionalism that Officer Barreau demonstrated in providing a high level of police service to the community. The cashier at Family Dollar was exceptionally grateful and took comfort in knowing the subject would not return. He, along with the backup units, responded with a sense of urgency and determination to bring the fleeing felon to justice.