2018 Officer of the Year

On July 16th, 2018, officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at the Kwik Stop. Officers quickly arrived at the Kwik Stop and were advised that the suspect entered the store, placed the clerk at gunpoint, and took money from the cash register. The victim stated that the suspect fled on foot moments prior to police arrival. A “Be on the Lookout” (B.O.L.O.) for the suspect was immediately issued over the police radio.

Officer Jodlyn Antoine began to methodically search the immediate area of where the robbery occurred, and located a suspect that matched the description from the B.O.L.O., in an alleyway. Officer Antoine calmly advised on the police radio that he had a possible suspect in sight. Officer Antoine’s approach the suspect, and gave a loud verbal command to stop, and the suspect proceeded to flee from him on foot. Officer Antoine requested immediate back-up from additional units, who quickly saturated the area, and confined the suspect in the aforementioned alleyway. Officer Antoine coordinated with the other officers on the scene and safely took the suspect into custody without further incident. The suspect’s firearm, and the mask that was used in the robbery, were found in a nearby trash can. The suspect was in possession of a book bag, which contained the money that was taken during the robbery. A show-up was subsequently conducted, and the suspect was positively identified by the victim.

On November 21, 2018, a suspect entered the 7-Eleven, greeted the store clerk and proceeded to the soda station. In an effort to lull the clerk into a false sense of security, the suspect, nonchalantly made himself a beverage. Without warning, the suspect swiftly proceeded behind the counter armed with a machete, ambushing the clerk. He cornered the victim and demanded the money. Shocked and in fear for her life, the victim complied and gave the suspect $150.00 from the cash register, her purse, and cell phone. The suspect exited the store and fled the area in a vehicle.

Three days after the incident, Officer Antoine had just finished working a holiday detail and was en route home. Although off-duty at the time, Officer Antoine remained alert and vigilante and observed a vehicle fitting the description of the vehicle used in the 7-Eleven robbery days prior. Officer Antoine advised via police radio that he was behind a vehicle matching the description of one involved in an armed robbery. Officer Antoine awaited for back-up officers to arrive and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

Once the vehicle was stopped, Officer Antoine made contact with the female driver. Having knowledge the wanted suspect was a male, Officer Antoine used his experience, investigative techniques and interviewing skills to obtain information that may be helpful to the investigation. His attempts paid off as he learned there were three males that drove the vehicle on occasion. He documented the names and descriptions of the males and forwarded the information to the investigator. Officer Antoine further discovered the vehicle was registered to a residence in close proximity to both robbery locations.

The criminal investigation was kicked into high gear with the information obtained by Officer Antoine. The detectives matched the suspect from the video surveillance with one of the names provided to them by Officer Antoine. The suspect was positively identified by the victim as having committed the armed robbery. He was subsequently located, apprehended, and charged with multiple counts of Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.

After thirteen years of service to the City of North Miami, Officer Antoine remains motivated, diligent, attentive to details, and eager to serve and protect its residents. He continues to provide quality police work. Officer Antoine’s commitment to the community, and the Department’s motto of “Making a Positive Impact”, brings a sense of peace to the community, and ultimately assists in keeping the community safe.