Marietta police recognize officer for quick action to get criminals of the streets

MARIETTA, Ga. — A Marietta police officer is getting recognition for quickly getting criminals off the streets.

Officer Christian Rivera told Channel 2′s Michele Newell that several businesses have been burglarized this year.

In one recent case, Rivera was on his way to the gym along South Marietta Parkway when he noticed a burglary suspect sitting at a bus stop across the street.

The burglary happened across the street at the Family Dollar the day before.

“Two suspects forced entry into the business. After forcing entry, they vandalized a case and (stole) $1,000 worth of merchandise,” Rivera said.

His quick action helped him get the man in handcuffs.

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“With it being so fresh and a business being burglarized, and the offense, it’s not in my nature to just go by. I had to act on it,” Rivera said.

Last week, Rivera noticed how many women were being targeted at gas stations in the city and helped make an arrest.

“The M.O. was basically where he would pull up directly beside the women who were pumping gas by themself and committing the offense of sexual battery,” Rivera said.

As a young and fairly new officer at the Marietta Police Department, Rivera is playing a vital role in getting criminals off the street quickly.

“I tend to identify and pay attention to details and things happening and think outside the box,” Rivera said.

He holds onto little pieces of a crime and finds himself quickly connecting the dots, on and off the clock.

Skills the Marietta Police Department recently recognized Rivera for.

“Seen a lot, experienced a lot. Just knew if I could make a difference somehow, someway I’m going to do it that way,” Rivera said.

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