Greenwich Police announced on Thursday that Detective Justin Rivera was recognized as officer of the month for displaying steadfast vigor, diligence, and dedication to service and duty during a recent double shift.
According to the announcement, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at approximately 3:45pm, officers responded to 140 Greenwich Ave, home to Tiffany & Co, for a reported armed robbery that had just occurred. A handgun was displayed, and the suspect took jewelry and then fled the store. The suspect was located behind the Greenwich Town Hall building.
Detective Rivera called out to the suspect, “Police, Stop,” but the suspect refused to comply and ran from the officers.
Detective Rivera caught up to the suspect, brought him to the ground, and placed him under arrest. Upon searching the suspect, the stolen jewelry was found on his person, and the handgun was located a short distance away from where the suspect was apprehended. The handgun, it turned out, was a realistic facsimile BB Gun, and the approximate value of the recovered stolen jewelry was $197,650.
On Sunday, October 29, 2023, at approximately 5:08am, officers responded to the area of 205 Greenwich Avenue, home to Saks Fifth Avenue, for a reported burglary in progress being actively observed through off-site store video security.
Detective Rivera and another officer responded to the area, and a black Dodge Charger was observed attempting to flee the area, driving erratically and at a high rate of speed, including traveling on the wrong side of the roadway. While Detective Rivera tried to stop the suspect from fleeing, but he collided head-on with Detective Rivera’s vehicle. The suspect refused the officer’s direction to get out of the vehicle but eventually complied and was placed under arrest. The suspect had a lengthy criminal history and has since been linked to several burglaries in multiple jurisdictions, including CT, NY, NJ, and PA.
While working a double shift, Detective Rivera displayed steadfast vigor, diligence, and dedication to service and duty. This exemplifies the values and commitment to service that the Greenwich Police Department strives to provide to the Town of Greenwich.