05/13/2026
𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 - 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at approximately 08:50 PM, North District middle shift officers were dispatched to the Longhorn Steakhouse, located at 5910 East 82nd Street, on a report of a person shot. IMPD Officers arrived to find a hectic scene but quickly gathered intelligence regarding descriptions and direction of travel of individuals potentially involved.
While this was occurring, Officer Rafael Moura III was approaching the dispatched location. Officer Moura, a veteran officer, digested the influx of information over the radio. Officer Moura also took note of his immediate surroundings, believing the individuals could not have traveled too far with the given information. Officer Moura went with his gut and began canvasing the dark surroundings. As a result, he located three persons of interest that were hunkered down inside of a wall inlet. This inlet was approximately 900 feet East of the Longhorn Steakhouse. Officer Moura believed this was odd behavior, and immediately radioed that he had located the individuals. Officer Moura gave the location and asked for more units to assist in detaining them. All three were detained for further investigation by the Homicide Unit.
Officer Moura began checking nearby and made note of a backpack in the immediate area. The bag was later found to contain evidence.
Without Officer Moura’s keen observation skills, important evidence and persons of interest may not have been located. His calm demeanor and veteran experience led to the safe detention of persons of interest. For his excellent police work, Officer Moura III is North District Officer of the Month for March 2026.
