By Corporal Brian Schnell, Public Information Officer

March 25, 2009 may have been just another day for most of us, but for one long time Sunny Isles Beach resident it was a special day.  Estelle DeGrazia turned 90 years young!   To celebrate the special day, Chief Maas, Captain Snyder and I went to visit Ms. DeGrazia at a rehabilitation facility in North Miami, where she is recovering from injuries she sustained on February 3, 2009.

On February 3, 2009, Estelle DeGrazia was going about her normal daily activities.  Estelle was a self-sufficient, independent woman who needed no help running errands and doing “odds and ends”.  As Estelle went about her business, walking along Collins Avenue, a white van pulled along side her and before she knew what was occurring, a man exited the van and attacked Estelle.  He demanded her purse, and attempted to steal it from her.  Estelle, however, was not eager to give up her possessions and she fought the man off.  Realizing she was not an “easy target”, the man shoved Estelle to the ground, but was still unable to get her purse.  As Estelle yelled for help several good Samaritans rushed to her aid, and the suspect fled back into the van with nothing.

Using the good Samaritans’ information, two suspects were quickly captured as they attempted to flee the area.  Quick thinking witnesses, and old fashioned police work came together to close the case, the criminal case that is. 

Estelle’s “case” was just beginning.  When that thug shoved Estelle to the ground he caused serious injuries that would begin a long, tenuous road to recovery.  Estelle is not the same person she was at the start of that beautiful February day, and she may never be the same again.  Everyday is a blessing now for Estelle, who faces new challenges daily, all because a criminal thought he needed her purse more than she did. 

In the March 16Th edition of the Community Newspaper, Chief Maas was quoted: “Remember, property can be replaced and a vehicle can be fixed but NO ONE, NO ONE, can replace a lost life… Call the police and be a good WITNESS!!”.  The Chief’s words could not be any clearer.  We caught the suspects in this case, all because of a few good WITNESSES.  Estelle fought for her purse and is now paying a heavy price for her bravery.  Bravery that was not necessary, since we would have recovered her purse when we apprehended the suspects.  We hope her injuries were not in vain, and at least some readers learn a valuable lesson from this.  It is very simple,if the risk outweighs the reward, it is not worth doing.   I can assure you, Estelle DeGrazia will attest to that quote today.

Members of the Police Department, namely Chief Maas, Captain Snyder and yours truly visited Estelle at the local rehabilitation center where she is recovering from her injuries.   It was her 90th birthday so we brought her flowers and a “care bear”, just to bring some joy and a smile into her day.  The staff of the center joined us as we all wished her a happy birthday and a speedy recovery.

Happy Birthday Estelle!  We look forward to spending your next birthday with you AT YOUR HOME, instead of your rehabilitation center.