The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), through its Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program (CAAP), played a pivotal role in the recent apprehension of a murder suspect in South Florida. The CAAP program, established to encourage citizen involvement, provides reward funding for information leading to the arrest of criminals in high-priority cases.

“Through the Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program, we are not just enhancing our ability to bring criminals to justice, but we are also fortifying the safety of our community,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “This program represents a vital collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and its success is a testament to our collective commitment to making Florida a safer place for all its residents.”

On June 8, 2024, Alejandro Linares, a food delivery driver who had recently relocated to South Florida from Venezuela, was shot while performing his job in Opa-locka. Linares was delivering food to an apartment when he was approached and shot by Dawayen Bendross, who then fled the scene. Linares’ family, grieving his loss, was vocal in their demand for justice, emphasizing their concern for community safety.

Following the incident, the Miami-Dade Police Department launched an investigation. On Monday, June 10, 2024, police received a tip about a person matching the description of the suspect in the area. This tip, coupled with surveillance footage and witness identification from a police flier, led to the swift apprehension of Dawayen Bendross. Once located, Bendross, who is currently in custody and charged with second-degree murder, was found to be in possession of a firearm matching the casing recovered from the crime scene.

“The apprehension of this murder suspect underscores the strength of our community’s partnership and the relentless dedication of our law enforcement agencies,” said Suzette Rice, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade and The Florida Keys. “Along with the Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program, we are committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that our streets are safer for all. Together, we continue to make strides in protecting our neighborhoods and building safer communities.”

The CAAP program’s success in this case highlights the importance of solving crimes and the role of community cooperation. The FSA remains committed to supporting local law enforcement agencies and ensuring that justice is served for families like Linares’s. Stay tuned for updates on this case and other initiatives supported by the Florida Sheriffs Association.

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About Florida Sheriffs Association
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.