Officer Kevin Burgs Arrested for Stealing Watch from Jared's Galleria

A Pembroke Pines Police officer was arrested after authorities said he was caught on video stealing a watch when he responded to a burglary at a jewelry store, police said Thursday.

 

A Pembroke Pines Police officer was arrested after authorities said he was caught on video stealing a watch when he responded to a burglary at a jewelry store, police said Thursday.

Officer Kevin Burgs was arrested and charged with grand theft after he took a watch worth $795 from the Jared's Galleria of Jewelry at 11077 Pines Boulevard Wednesday morning. He bonded out around 4:30 a.m. and it was unknown whether he has an attorney.

Police said two suspects cut a hole in the roof of the building and got away with $75,000 worth of merchandise and caused about $10,000 in damages early Wednesday.

Burgs, a 9-year veteran of the department, was one of the responding officers to the business, police said. He was caught on surveillance video cameras removing the watch, police said.

"Public trust is vital to our partnership with the community. It is important to note that we held this officer accountable for his actions and charged him appropriately," the police department said in a statement. "We will remain transparent and provide updates as this matter progresses.  This one act is not representative of the rest of our police department.  We are extremely proud of our employees and thankful for their constant dedication and hard work."

Burgs was suspended with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Residents in Pembroke Pines said they were shocked to hear of the arrest.

"That’s really bad, if you can’t trust the police who can you trust?" Flor Morales said.

"We don’t like to see any of our police officers do anything like that but what can you do?" Dudley Smart said. "There are good people and bad people."