Meriden Police Officer Ray Vazquez Named Officer of the Month

From Meriden PD Facebook Page

Congratulations to Officer Ray Vazquez who has been selected as the Meriden Police Department February 2015 Officer of the Month.

Below are several examples of recent police work performed by Officer Vazquez that helped earn him the award.

-On Dec. 31, 2014, at approximately 1:10 a.m., Officer Vazquez responded to the area of 247 Springdale Avenue for a report of a stabbing victim. Upon his arrival, he encountered a chaotic scene which included a hysterical female who was sitting in the road and a male victim that had a deep stab wound in his neck that was bleeding profusely. Within the next twenty minutes, Officer Vazquez’s investigation revealed the names of the potential suspects and he subsequently located all of them. One of the suspects was located when Officer Vazquez conducted a secondary sweep of a residence and discovered a female hiding who had been missed during the initial search. The suspect was also in possession of a weapon that may have been used in the assault. Although the investigation and search was a cooperative effort, Officer Vazquez took the initiative throughout the case. He took what was initially a convoluted case and turned over his complete and thorough findings to the Major Crimes Unit.

- On Jan. 4, 2015, at approximately 2:28 a.m., a call was received of two suspicious individuals checking handles on vehicles in the Corrigan Avenue area. Officer Vazquez responded and, prior to his arrival, coordinated other responding units to strategic locations. Upon his arrival he was able to stealthily approach the suspects and observed them attempting to burglarize vehicles. A subsequent foot chase ensued that lasted about thirty minutes and covered several blocks. A suspect was ultimately apprehended by Officer Vazquez. Through his interview he was able to attain an admission from the suspect and a possible identity of the second outstanding suspect.

-On Jan. 5, 2015, at approximately 3:31 a.m., Officer Vazquez was conducting directed patrols in the areas surrounding Knob Hill Road. This area had recently been plagued with thefts from motor vehicles. Officer Vazquez encountered a suspicious vehicle on New Cheshire Road. The vehicle, which was blacked out and running, only had a sole occupant. He initiated an interview and immediately detected deception from the male operator. During the course of his investigation he developed probable cause to search the vehicle. Not only did the search uncover drugs and drug paraphernalia but also uncovered a stolen gps unit, stolen gift cards, and a stolen credit card. The items had just been stolen from a vehicle in Cheshire and the victims were not yet aware of the theft.

According to Lt. Tony Carusone (Off. Vazquez’s shift commander), “These cases are just a few examples of this officer’s hard work, intense drive, and loyalty to the citizens of Meriden. He continues to show exceptional interview skills and investigations on a nightly basis. The performances that he exhibits set a high standard for all officers of this agency. Officer Vazquez does not get deterred from any negativity but instead feeds off the positive and encourages others to follow suit.”