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Nancy Drew in making

A fifth-grader is made an honorary detective for helping on a case.

By ABHI RAGHUNATHAN, Times Staff Writer
Published December 21, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Scott Keeler | Times] St. Petersburg police Chief Chuck Harmon laughs with Madison Fernandez, 10, on Thursday. "We need to teach our kids to be very observant," said Barbara Fernandez, Madison's mother.

ST. PETERSBURG - Madison Fernandez is a fifth-grader with a keen sense of observation and a passion for Nancy Drew novels. So when she saw a suspicious looking man in her Snell Isle neighborhood one Sunday morning, she paid attention.

She saw the man steal a bicycle and ride away. When the police arrived, Madison, 10, gave them a description so detailed - down to the type of shoes the manwas wearing - that even veteran detectives and administrators were impressed. They said she was better than most adult witnesses.

A few days later, on Nov. 20, Madison saw the same man prowling around the neighborhood. She called her mom. Mom called the cops. A neighbor followed the man, who was eventually arrested.

Roshawn Cromartie, 27, was charged with two counts of residential burglary and has admitted to several other crimes in downtown and the Old Northeast, police said.

On Thursday, Madison was in class at Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary when she got a surprise visitor: St. Petersburg police Chief Chuck Harmon.

Surrounded by cameras and department brass, Harmon gave Madison a certificate of recognition and made her an honorary detective.

Madison's mom, Barbara, 50, said her daughter has always had a sharp eye. She thinks it's because Madison got sick as a baby and doesn't hear very well.

"She uses her sight a lot," Barbara Fernandez said.

Without her, Harmon said, the suspect might still be on the loose.

"She has been a good witness for us in a case that could not be solved without her assistance or her help," Harmon told the class. "She did the right thing."

Madison just smiled shyly in front of her classmates. When Harmon asked if she had anything to add, she just smiled and said, "Thank you."

Abhi Raghunathan can be reached at araghunathan@sptimes.com or 727 893-8472.

[Last modified December 21, 2007, 00:32:23]