Fredericksburg Police officer David Cabrera was recognized by The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police with a Valor Award:
Fredericksburg Police Department
Officer David Cabrera
On July 23, 2018, Fredericksburg Police officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. Officer David Cabrera was the first to arrive at the residence. Just seconds after knocking on the front door, a male quickly swung open the storm door and stabbed Officer Cabrera with a box cutter-style knife in his face and neck.
Officer Cabrera withdrew from the residence as the offender exclaimed obscenities and flaunted his weapon. In fear for his life, Officer Cabrera fired at the suspect, causing the offender to retreat into the residence.
After relocating to a safe place, Officer Cabrera attempted numerous times to contact the E-911 Communications Center by radio. He was unable to because the offender’s knife had struck the radio cord. Remaining calm, Officer Cabrera activated his emergency alert button and attempted to call the communications center using his cell phone. Meanwhile he was assessing his wounds, assessing his surroundings, and maintaining a close watch on the residence to ensure his safety and the safety of the neighbors.
Additional units were dispatched to the incident when the E-911 communications center was unable to reach Officer Cabrera by radio. A fire marshal was the first to arrive and rendered aid to Officer Cabrera. Officer Cabrera was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital where he was treated and released later that evening.
Several hours after the incident began, the offender was located walking a short distance from the residence and taken into custody without incident. He was treated for minor injuries.
Officer Cabrera showed impressive valor, courage, and commitment during the life-threatening incident. Officer Cabrera speaks about his experience to recruits at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Academy as part of the Officer Survival course. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police is pleased to present Fredericksburg Police Officer David Cabrera with the 2019 Award for Valor.
Photo Credit: Erin Schrad/VACP
