BPD Officer of the Month

BRADENTON -- Investigator John Morningstar has been named the Bradenton Police Department’s Officer of the Month for December for showing a “professional and caring demeanor” toward a disabled victim and the quick arrest of three suspects.

Investigator Morningstar was the primary officer assigned to investigate a battery that occurred early one morning in November. This complaint was sent to police anonymously after a suspect posted a recording of the assault on a social media website.

Investigator Morningstar immediately located the victim and provided him with assistance. That same afternoon he obtained information from a citizen which led to the identification of all three suspects involved.

With assistance from Detective Greg Price, one suspect was identified and arrested. Within 18 hours of the initial incident, the remaining two suspects turned themselves in. All three were charged with felony Aggravated Abuse of a Disabled Adult.