A Boynton Beach cop who was arrested on drug charges months after he was named the department's 2010 "Officer of the Year" is on the run after fleeing house arrest, authorities said.
An arrest warrant was issued last Thursday for Officer David Britto, 28, after he broke his 11 p.m. curfew and went missing, U.S. Marshals spokesman Barry Golden said.
Britto, who was on paid administrative leave and out on $100,000 bond at his mother's home in Coral Springs, removed his ankle bracelet and left the house, Golden said.
"The moment we realized he was gone, we issued a warrant for his arrest," Golden said. "We're checking all possibilities and we do have some tips."
Golden said authorities are taking extra care in the search for Britto, taking into account his police training. He added that Britto could be armed.
A detention services officer "spoke to the family which was more than likely less than truthful as to his whereabouts or knowledge of his whereabouts," Golden said.
Britto was arrested in July after authorities said he'd sold over 500 grams of methamphetamine between June 2009 and March 2011. He was scheduled to stand trial on federal drug charges next month.
Golden said Britto is "a person well-versed in police tactics, police investigations. The way we track down fugitives, we have to use extra precaution when taking that subject into custody, and he could be armed and proficient in using fire arms."
Britto faces a life sentence if convicted.
In 2010, the four-year officer was instrumental in the arrest of 25 suspects in drug cases. Britto also saved a 2-year-old girl from drowning and identified a man who tried to gun down two street preachers.
"It is nice to be recognized when you have really tried your best," Britto said in January after being honored with the Officer of the Year award. "This only motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing and reach my goals."
