Weston District, Motor Deputy, Jose Rene Gonzalez, also known as “Gonzo” was recognized as the BSO Weston Law Enforcement Employee of the Month for May 2025, at the City Commission Meeting of May 5, 2025. 

Each month, the City of Weston proudly highlights exceptional individuals whose dedication goes above and beyond in service to our community. For May 2025, we recognized Weston District Motor Deputy Jose Rene Gonzalez, affectionately known as “Gonzo,” as Employee of the Month. Deputy Gonzalez's relentless investigative work and commitment to justice were instrumental in solving a serious hit-and-run case in May 2024, showcasing not only his skill and perseverance but also his deep sense of responsibility to the residents he serves.

Below is the text of the narrative read by Weston Chief of Police, Sam Cavalieri while honoring Deputy Gonzalez: 

In May of 2024, a cyclist traveling north on Bonaventure Blvd., just north of the Indian Trace intersection, was side swiped and struck by a vehicle. Sadly, the vehicle failed to stop, leaving the cyclist injured in the roadway.  BSO Fire Rescue quickly responded and transported the cyclist to Broward Health Medical for treatment.  Witnesses on scene provided valuable information and a description of the vehicle, and deputies recovered the passenger side mirror from the suspect vehicle, which was left behind.    

Deputy Gonzalez was assigned this hit and run accident case and immediately took ownership with a goal to identify and arrest the driver who failed to stop and remain on scene. Failing to do so, constitutes a felony charge, since the cyclist suffered injuries. 

With the description given by the witnesses, Deputy Gonzalez immediately queried Weston’s recently implemented city-wide automatic license plate recognition system, which produced a possible suspect vehicle.  Images of the suspect vehicle driving towards the area of the accident did not show any damage.  After the reported accident time, images of the vehicle indicated damage consistent with the recovered mirror on the passenger side of the vehicle. 

With a viable investigative lead generated by our LPR cameras, over the next several months, Deputy Gonzalez pursued every investigative avenue.  He reached out to the registered owner, canvassed the neighborhood, and located home surveillance video that clearly showed the driver and vehicle returning home with visible damage on the day of the accident.  Deputy Gonzalez wrote and served several subpoenas and search warrants to gather as much evidence as possible, remaining focused, even though the owner was uncooperative, and the vehicle’s location was unknown.

In July of 2024, his persistence paid off when he obtained a possible location of the vehicle at a local dealership.  It was determined that the vehicle was there for body work, and the passenger side exterior mirror was being replaced.  Deputy Gonzalez immediately responded to the dealership to verify the damage, and successfully matched the color and style. It did help that the vehicle had a limited-edition paint color, and the mirror that was recovered on scene of the accident, matched the driver side mirror.  As a result, the vehicle was towed and held pending investigative follow-up. 

As the investigation continued, a methodical approach was necessary to organize this very detailed involved investigation.  As a result of information derived from all the investigative efforts by Deputy Gonzalez, probable cause was established.  In conjunction with the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued charging the driver with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Non-Serious Injuries and Tampering with Evidence.  The driver was subsequently arrested without incident.   

This case clearly demonstrates Deputy Gonzalez’s unwavering drive and motivation, and exemplifies his dedication in representing, and bringing justice to the victim.     

For his professionalism and commitment in keeping our city safe, it is our honor to recognize Deputy Gonzalez for the Employee of Month, May 2025.