Palmetto Bay Police Officers Honored For 'Life-Saving Actions'

PALMETTO BAY, FL — Four village police officers were honored on Monday night for their "life-saving actions" following the driveway shooting of an off-duty Doral police veteran outside his home back in January. Doral Police Lt. Gary King and his wife Elaine were attacked after returning from a shopping trip.

Sgt. Ron Rodriguez and Officers Alexander Castillo, Astrid Rodriguez and Yolanda Santiago of the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit all were singled out for their response to the incident at Monday's council meeting.

Mayor Eugene Flinn was joined by Councilman David Singer, Village Manager Ed Silva and Police Commander Gady Serralta in recognizing the Palmetto Bay officers.

"Upon arrival, the Palmetto Bay officers found the two victims in distress, and Mr. King was bleeding from the gunshot wound," village officials told Patch. The incident occurred on Jan. 16.

"While unloading their pick-up truck, two men emerged in the Kings’s driveway. One of the subjects assaulted Mrs. King, knocking her to the ground and taking her watch," officials said. "Meanwhile, a second man struggled with Lt. King, overpowering him and taking his firearm. The subject fired several times at Lt. King, hitting him in the right arm."

The attackers fled with King’s gun, wallet and his wife's watch. They were later arrested following a manhunt in which the Palmetto Bay officers also assisted.

"The officers immediately reacted, providing life-saving assistance to Lt. King and helping Mrs. King," according to Palmetto Bay officials. "Officer Castillo applied direct pressure to Lt. King’s wound to avoid further blood loss until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived, while Officer Rodriguez and Sgt. Rodriguez tended to Mrs. King."

The wounded officer was taken to Jackson Memorial South where he underwent surgery and was later released.

"In addition, using vital information gathered by our team of law enforcement professionals, a manhunt ensued, leading to two arrests," officials added.

Photo courtesy village of Palmetto Bay