Perceived

1. did the detective say the whole thing, or just the one in quotes?
The quoted portion should be the exact word of the detective. The rest is the writer's paraphrase or summary.
2. why that phrase is in quotes?
The writer felt that that was the heart of what was said and a direct quotation is a much stronger statement.
3. what does "perceived" mean here? was it perceived by the suspect alone or perceived as a fact by other people as well/
Tougher question, in context it seems that the perception is that of the suspect, but there does seem to be some ambiguity.

Solid answer, George.

thanks a lot.