Hialeah police identifies 22-year-old officer who died in off-duty crash
MIAMI -- Law enforcement officers from South Florida were mourning the death of an off-duty Hialeah police officer who was killed Thursday while driving his personal motorcycle in a traffic crash in Homestead, officials said.
The accident occurred at 4:57 p.m. in Homestead, according to Hialeah police.
It happened on Campbell Drive at S.W. 147th Ave.
Police identified the fallen officer as 22-year-old Anthony Caabeiro.
Caabeiro became part of the Hialeah Police Department on September 11th, 2022.
"At this time, we ask that you keep Officer Caabeiro's family, friends, and his Hialeah Police Brothers and Sisters in your thoughts and prayers," Hialeah Police posted on their Instagram account.
CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench spoke with one of the officer's closest friends.
Mati Dominguez said, "He was my best friend. Losing someone like this hurts. It is terrible. Like someone stabbed me in the back. He was the greatest cop in the world. He was the best cop. He was a hero. He saved my life. I fell in a bad place and he was there, the only one there who lifted me up. He was always there for me every night and day."
Homestead Police Detective Eric Rodriguez said it was not clear how the accident happened and said the driver of the vehicle stayed on the scene. So far there has been no arrest or citation.
"Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and Hialeah Police. Obviously, any time a police officer loses his life, it is like the loss of a family member."
South Florida PBA President Steadman Stahl said, "It's devastating. This is another tragic example and a reminder of how you are never really off duty. These accidents can happen at anytime and anywhere. Our hearts go out to the family and the police department. You always prepare but you never know when these things can happen."
In a statement, Hialeah Police Chief George Fuente said "Though his time with us was short, Officer Cabeeiro made an enormous impact on his brothers and sisters in blue, as well as his community. He was a remarkable young man that made us extremely proud and lucky that he was part of our community. His shining personality will live in our hearts forever."
The Police Chief said he was survived by his sister and parents.
On Thursday night, Officers from several jurisdictions escorted the ambulance transporting the body of the fallen officer to the Medical Examiner's Office.
There were plans on Friday afternoon to take the Officer's body from there to a funeral home.