Central Falls officers to receive attorney general award

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE)- 18 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country were a part of the Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, two of those from the Central Falls Police Department.

The award highlights police of various levels for their exceptional community policing. Those awarded will have demonstrated engaging with the community in one of the following three categories,

Innovations in Community Policing, Criminal Investigations, and Field Operations.

“The work of law enforcement has always been difficult — but perhaps no more so than in the recent past, as officers have faced a host of significant challenges. The officers and deputies receiving this year’s awards demonstrate how so many go above and beyond, even in the midst of trying circumstances,” said Attorney General Garland. “Every day, thousands of people who work in law enforcement forge and maintain strong community ties that are essential for ensuring public safety. The recipients of this award represent quintessential examples of such critical efforts. It is an honor to recognize them.”

Detective-Sergeant Jeffrey Araujo and Major Christopher Reed were both awarded for their work through a 2007 criminal investigation.

A cab driver was shot in his car while on the phone with his wife in July 2007, he would die while being transported to the hospital.

Witnesses explained to the officers that three young men ran from the scene getting rid of their baseball hats as they fled. Detective-Sergeant Araujo and Major Reed were able to collect two of the hats.

The wife of the victim explained to police that her husband asked to stay on the phone with him during the ride because he was not comfortable with the three men who were in his taxi. She remained on the phone until the shooting happened.

An informant identified one of the men who shot the victim alongside other information police were getting about the other suspects. With evidence from the hats alongside growing testimony from witnesses, the two officers were able to make an arrest and put a suspect in prison.