CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Department to Host "Coffee With a Cop" at McDonald's, 1751 Del Prado Boulevard, on Tuesday, January 14

(January 06, 2014)- On January 14, 2014, officers from the Cape Coral Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00 AM on January 14, 2014 at McDonald’s located at 1751 Del Prado Boulevard South. Please contact Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer with questions: (239) 242-3341.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Cape Coral’s neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns to us, or simply get to know our officers on a human level.  These kind of interactions are the foundation of the type of community partnership we want.”- Chief of Police Bart Connelly.

WHAT:  Coffee With a Cop

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

WHERE:  McDonald's at 1751 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral, FL

Click the link below to download the event flyer:

Event Flyer PDF

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PHOTO:  Arrested:  Robert Myer Toney (W/M, DOB: 12-14-1989), of 2222 SW 22nd Street, Cape Coral, FL.  (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Burglary Investigation Leads to Car Chase, Drug Bust

(January 8, 2014)-  On Tuesday, January 07, 2014, Cape Coral Police responded to 2829 NW 19th Avenue on a Burglary/Grand Theft investigation.  The complainant advised that some time in mid-December, a 3 1/2 ton hydraulic car jack and a metal gas can were taken from the unenclosed curtilage of his home without his permission.

The complainant told the officer that on January 2, 2014, Robert Toney came to his home, confessing to the theft, and offering to repay him for his loss.  The complainant agreed, giving him until this past weekend to make amends, however, that never happened.  When the complainant saw Toney at a residence down the street, he confronted him about the repayment.  Tomey, refused to make payment and offered to replace the jack, at which point the complainant went home and called police.

While at the residence, an officer observed Toney exit the residence at 2814 NW 19th avenue and get into his pickup truck and begin to leave the residence.  When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop on Toney, accelerated and began making dangerous and erratic evasive maneuvers, running a stop sign, driving on the wrong side of a roadway at one point, even driving into an empty field. Toney finally came to a stop after almost striking a marked patrol car.  Toney was taken into custody without further incident.

A cut drinking straw, which Toney admitted, post-Miranda, was used for snorting Vicodin was found on Toney's person.  A metal gas can, was located in the bed of Toney's pickup truck, which he also admitted belonged to the complainant.  The can was also identified by the complainant.

As search of the vehicle incident to arrest yielded a marijuana grinder with residue inside as well as a portion of a pill (suspected to be Vicodin, sent for testing by FDLE).  As the vehicle was being towed, a bag containing 39 pills which were later identified as Vicodin (total weight of 16.5 grams), fell from under the truck, onto the tow truck bed.

Tomey denied knowledge of any pills in a bag under his truck, even though the location in which the pills were located was never mentioned, nor was there any mention of a bag by officers.

Toney was arrested for the charges below and transported to Lee County Jail.

Arrested:  Robert Myer Toney (W/M, DOB: 12-14-1989), of 2222 SW 22nd Street, Cape Coral, FL.

Charges:  Grand Theft (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia x3 (Misdemeanor), Trafficking an Opium Derivative (Felony), and Fleeing/Eluding Police (Felony).

Case#:  14-000417

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PHOTO:  Image of the flyer for the child safety seat inspection event to be held at the Cape Coral Police Department on Thursday, January 16, 2014.  The event runs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Please call (239) 343-6199 to schedule an appointment.  (Photo Courtesy of Safe Kids Lee/Collier Counties)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Department Hosting Car Seat Inspection Event on Thursday, January 16, 2014

(January 8, 2014)-  The Cape Coral Police Department has partnered with Safe Kids Lee/Collier Counties to host a car seat inspection event where nationally certified technicians will help you properly install your car seat.

The event will be held at the Cape Coral Police Department on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Please call (239) 343-6199 to schedule an appointment.

"It's not enough to just have a safety seat for your child.  For it to be effective, it has to also be properly installed.  This event provides parents a chance to make sure they have properly and safely installed their child's safety seat in their car, to get assistance with one that they might have just purchased or been given as a gift.  We'll have trained professionals on-hand doing the inspections and assisting with installations."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Work Serious Injury Crash Overnight

(January 10, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 2400 block of Diplomat Parkway East at around 2:30 AM.  The driver, and sole occupant of the car, Keith Bradley Knicely (W/M, 6/11/88) of 323 NE 42 Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33909, lost control while navigating a curve in the road as he was driving westbound into the city.  The vehicle crossed the median and the oncoming lanes of travel, leaving the road and striking a tree head-on.  The driver, Knicely, sustained multiple life-threatening inures as a result of this crash, and was trauma-alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital.  Alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in the crash.  Knicely was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Please see preliminary synopsis below:

DATE: January 10, 2014
TIME: 02:28 AM
CR: 14-000561
LOCATION: 2400 Diplomat Pkwy East
ASSIGNED MCI: Ofc. N. Green

VEHICLE 1: 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Florida tag L180JG

DRIVER 1: Keith Bradley Knicely, W/M, 6/11/88, 323 NE 42 Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33909.

DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Knicely suffered life threatening injuries in the traffic crash and was trauma altered to Lee Memorial Hospital.

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1, a car, was westbound on Diplomat Pkwy at that the 2400 block, negotiating a right curve in the road, near the V.A. Hospital. While Vehicle 1 was negotiating the curve, the driver lost control of Vehicle 1 and struck the curb on the North side of the road.  Vehicle 1 then drove onto the side walk. Vehicle 1 continued westbound  on the sidewalk, eventually leaving it and crossing the entrance to the Veterans Hospital. Vehicle 1 then drove back onto the sidewalk again and continued westbound. Vehicle 1 then veered left, leaving the sidewalk and crossing all westbound lanes of Diplomat Pkwy. Vehicle 1 then crossed the median and continued to veer left, crossing all of the eastbound lanes of Diplomat. Vehicle 1 then stuck the curb on the South side of the roadway at which time Vehicle 1 struck a tree with the front end and came to its final rest.

The driver of Vehicle 1 suffered multiple life threatening injuries and was trauma alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital by ambulance.  The driver of Vehicle 1 is in surgery at Lee Memorial Hospital with multiple critical injuries, but is now expected to recover.

It was determined that the driver of Vehicle 1 WAS NOT wearing a seatbelt at the time of the traffic crash.  Alcohol/drugs ARE a factor in the traffic crash.  MCI Officers Green and Satterlee responded, as well as Forensics Lansky and VA Seymour.

***There are 0 traffic fatalities in our city in for 2014.***

Breakdown of the past 5 years fyi......

2013= 18 Traffic fatalities (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)

2012= 10 Traffic fatalities

2011= 11 Traffic fatalities (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical and 1 suicide ruled deaths)

2010= 9 Traffic fatalities

2009= 8 Traffic fatalities (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death)

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PHOTO:  Do the Right Thing logo.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Do The Right Thing for January 2014

(January 13, 2014)-  The next "Do The Right Thing" ceremony for January 2014 will be held on Wednesday, January 15th at 2:00pm in City Council Chambers.  This ceremony is open to the public and we encourage our community to come out and show their support to these outstanding young men and women who "did the right thing.”  The guest speaker will be Officer Kelvin Thompkins.

Twelve Cape Coral students will be recognized.  The winners’ nominations are after the break.

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Christopher Perez - 6 Grade, Caloosa Middle 

Christopher’s neighbor has Multiple Sclerosis and finds it difficult to do many tasks which needs to be done around the house.  Christopher helps her in many different ways.  He removed about 400 pounds of trash that was a result of a remodeled bathroom which took several weeks to accomplish as well as assisted in the painting of the bathroom. He has taken out his neighbor’s trash and recyclables every week since she has known him.  He has raked her yard, helped put a fire pit together and even helped his neighbor grow a vegetable garden.  When he saw that her van needed cleaning, he cleaned it so that his neighbor could load her scooter onto the vehicle.  Christopher has gone to the store to assist with heavy items and helped her carry them and put them away when they got home.  He assisted her in gathering old clothes and unloading the boxes for donations at the Thrift Store.   This young man even makes time to go over often to check on his neighbor to make sure she’s safe and well.  He even spends time with her so that she doesn’t feel alone.

He raises money for Multiple Sclerosis to give to one of the MS charities.  He organized a campaign last year selling pencils, pencil grips, and bracelets.  He made posters and organized some students to collect funds from the other grade levels at his elementary school.  Christopher still goes to the elementary school in the morning once a week before his middle school starts to collect the funds from the students.  Christopher is a remarkable young man.

Jayden Zeller -6th Grade, Oasis Middle

Jaden set up a Lemonade and cookie stand in her neighborhood and collected donations. She set up the stand when she saw that a local home was having an Estate sale and she realized the increased traffic would mean increased donations. She manned the stand and in the end she had collected over $30.00 for the Harry Chapin food bank. 

Wilbert Cerna – 5th Grade, Cape Elementary
Dyanette Cerna- 3rd Grade

Wilbert and his sister Dyanette Cerna were inside their home when their mother was cooking dinner. During the course of cooking dinner, the kitchen stove began smoking. As their mother was tending to the smoke, the kitchen stove caught on fire. Their mother began to panic and was now unable to control the fire.  Without hesitation Wilbert dialed 911 on his own for assistance. Both the Police and Fire Department responded in time and the fire was put out without incident. Without Wilbert and Dynatte’s action, the house could have been a total loss.  These two children’s action speaks for itself. 

Victoria Errett -8th Grade, Challenger Middle

Victoria is a wonderful person who cares about her peers. During lunch one day in the cafeteria, Victoria noticed another student eating french fries. Suddenly his face got red, his eyes became bloodshot and he appeared to be choking. The other students believed that he was playing and laughed. Victoria could see that he was not. She jumped up and began to pound on his back. This did not work. She picked him up and proceeded to give him the Heimlich maneuver. The french fry flew out of Alex's mouth. Victoria gave Alex her water and told the closest teacher about what had happened. Alex may have choked if it were not for Victoria's quick actions. 

Ryan Lineberger -7th Grade, Challenger Middle

A student passed out in school one day and Ryan was right there ready to help and responded immediately when asked to call the office. The EMT's arrived and the student needed to go to the hospital. While the teacher was taking care of the student, Ryan was cool, calm, and collected and handled himself very well. He helped other students to also respond appropriately. He stayed calm, followed directions without question, and showed true leadership.  

Noel Belliveau    -7th Grade, Challenger Middle 

Noel is an extraordinary child and strives to be a good role model and friend to all the students in his class.  He has spent countless hours working with Mr. Bordeaux collecting money for Kristy’s Kids; this is a program where students donate their own money to purchase gifts for other children at Christmas.  Noel volunteers his time checking books, organizing shelves, running errands, wash tables, stack and clean up after other students in the cafeteria.  Noel has taken over caring for another student who others find it difficult to be around.  He calm the child down when the child is upset, tries to get him to do his work and encourages the boy to make good choices.  Noel demonstrates kindness, patience and compassion.

Jahiem Lovett- 4th Grade, Skyline Elementary

Jahiem is a true leader.  While eating lunch with his friends in the cafeteria, Jahiem realized that there was a boy with autism, who always sits by himself during lunchtime.  Jahiem asked the child if he would like to join him for lunch.   The student eagerly came over and they had a great time together.  The very next day, Jahiem asked me if he could go to the school holiday shop so he could purchase a gift for the student.  After shopping around he became overwhelmed with guilt because he imagined his new friend’s classmates watching him as he was opening his present and Jahiem didn’t want them feeling left out.  Jahiem decided that he was going to buy everyone of the four students in that classroom a special gift.  That is exactly what he did.  I hope we can all learn something from Jahiem.

Dylan Baker-1st Grade, Skyline Elementary

Dylan knew that his next door neighbor was a paramedic so when he saw his dad not responding he grabbed the phone and ran to the neighbor’s house to get help.   It turned out that Dylan’s father was having a massive stroke and had it not been for his son’s quick thinking, he would not be alive today.

Hadan Baker-6th Grade, Gulf Middle

Hadan was at lunch and heard two boys making fun of another boy.  She called the teacher over to report it and when the two boys denied it; she stood up for the “target” and said, “yes you did”.  Hadan did the right thing by standing up for a fellow student and standing up to the two boys making the mean comments.  

Cason Humble-3rd Grade, Caloosa Elementary

Cason noticed during lunchtime, that his friend sitting across from him was doing the “universal sign for chocking”.  He hopped up from the table, went around behind the other student and performed the Heimlich maneuver, which he learned from this grandfather.  Out popped a tomato!  Scotty may have choked if it were not for Caron’s quick actions. 

Scotty Welsh-3rd Grade, Caloosa Elementary

Scotty had been choking on a tomato at lunch.  While his friend leaped up to assist him (performing the Heimlich and dislodging the stuck tomato), Scotty, maturely and clearly articulated to the teacher exactly what had happened and how his friend saved him.

PHOTO:  The second child safety seat inspection event this week will be held at Cape Coral City Hall.  The sign for City hall on Cultural Park Boulevard is pictured here.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Department to Host a Second Child Car Seat Inspection Event on Saturday

(January 14, 2014)-  Due to the tremendous positive response we have received regarding our upcoming Child Safety Seat Inspection Event on Thursday, the Cape Coral Police Department has decided to hold a second event this week to meet demand.

On Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Cape Coral Police Department will host an additional Child Safety Seat inspection Event in the parking lot of Cape Coral City Hall.  No appointment is necessary, just show up from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and nationally certified inspectors will either check to make sure the seat you have installed is installed properly, or we can assist you in installing a newly purchased seat.

This is not a car seat giveaway and no seats will be available for sale at the inspection event.  You must bring your own car seat to this event.

What:  Child Safety Seat inspection Event

Where:  Cape Coral City Hall Parking Lot- 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33990

When:  Saturday January 18, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

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Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week runs from January 13-17, 2014. PHOTO:  Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week Logo.  (Photo Courtesy of Federal Trade Commission)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341
 

Cape Coral Police Department Participating in Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

Ready for tax season? If you haven’t heard about tax identity theft, you may not be. 

Tax identity theft happens when someone files a phony tax return using your personal information — like your Social Security number — to get a tax refund from the IRS. It also can happen when someone uses your Social Security number to get a job or claims your child as a dependent on a tax return. Tax identity theft is the most common form of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission. The IRS says tax identity theft is a top priority and says it has hired new staff, explored new technologies, and adopted new procedures to fight it.

For these reasons, the Cape Coral Police Department is participating in Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, along with other federal, state, and local officials and law enforcement agencies. Here’s what you can do to lessen the chance you’ll be a victim:     

• File your tax return early in the tax season, if you can.
• Use a secure internet connection if you file electronically, or mail your tax return directly from the post office.
• Shred copies of your tax return, drafts, or calculation sheets you no longer need.
• Respond to all mail from the IRS as soon as possible.
• Know the IRS won’t contact you by email, text, or social media. If the IRS needs information, it will contact you by mail.
• Don’t give out your Social Security number (SSN) unless necessary.
• Research a tax preparer thoroughly before you hand over personal information.
• If your SSN has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
• Check your credit report at least once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com to make sure no other accounts have been opened in your name.

What if you’re a victim? Tax identity theft victims typically find out about the crime when they get a letter from the IRS saying that more than one tax return was filed in the their name, or IRS records show they received wages from an employer they don’t know. If you get a letter like this, don’t panic. Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. 

More information about tax identity theft is available from the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft and the IRS at irs.gov/identitytheft. 

XXX

PHOTO:  Captain David Newlan was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police, effective January 24, 2014.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Master Corporal James Lear has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, effective January 18, 2014.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Chief Announces Two Promotions

(January 24, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police Chief, Bart Connelly, has made his first two promotions since assuming command of the agency.

Yesterday, Chief Connelly announced that he has promoted Captain David Newlan to the position of Deputy Chief of Police.  Captain Newlan has been serving as the Interim Deputy Chief since October of 2013.

"I am pleased to report that I have appointed Dave Newlan to the position of Deputy Chief effective Friday, January 24, 2014.  Dave has proven himself to be a highly respected leader in the police department and community over the past 23 years.  He brings a high degree of professionalism and balance to our organization, and will play a significant role in moving our department and city forward.  Please join me in congratulating Dave."- Bart Connelly, Chief of Police.

Deputy Chief David Newlan came from the Professional Standards Bureau where he was most recently responsible for Personnel and Training, Internal Affairs, and Payroll.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Barry University and a Master’s degree with a major in Human Resources Development and Administration from Barry University. He is a graduate of the 252nd session of the FBI National Academy.  He is also a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University and a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute's Executive Leadership Seminar. Captain Newlan is also a Certified Assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and a Certified Assessor for the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Chief Connelly also announced the promotion of Master Corporal James Lear to the rank of Sergeant.  Sergeant Lear's promotion was effective last week.  Sergeant Lear will be assigned to the Patrol Bureau.

Sergeant Lear is in his 16th year with the Cape Coral Police Department.  He has done extensive work in Youth Crime, assisting with the Multi-Agency Gang Task Force,  and served for many years as a School Resource Officer at Mariner High School.  "I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Jim for 4 years as a School Resource Officer.  Jim is effective and can get things done.  He is adept at working with diverse groups of people and will make a great addition to the Cape Coral Police Department leadership team."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer

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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

UPDATE:  Suspect Who Murdered Grandfather in 2011 Takes Plea Deal

(January 27, 2014)-  Clinton Travis Drake (07/15/92), a LaBelle man who bludgeoned and cut the throat of his 84 year-old grandfather, then fled on foot into a neighborhood near Veterans Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard back in December of 2011 has plead no contest to the charge of Second Degree Murder. Drake was sentenced to 20 years in State DOC, followed by 15 years probation.

Original release after the break.

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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Blvd
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-574-0642

Date: December 5, 2011
Subject: Cape Coral Police Make Arrest in Murder Investigation

Cape Coral Police have arrested Clinton Travis Drake (07/15/92) on charges of 2nd Degree Murder. Drake bludgeoned his grandfather, John William Drake (08/08/27) to death this afternoon.

At 4:06pm, Cape Coral Police received a 911 call stating that a w/m was slumped over the wheel at the intersection of Del Prado Blvd and Veterans Pkwy. Upon arrival, Officers discovered John Drake deceased inside of his 2004 Beige Dodge Pickup Truck.

Within minutes, Officers from the 1st and 3rd Platoons as well as K9 Officers and the Aviation Unit converged on the area. Police concentrated their search efforts to the neighborhood west of Del Prado after we received a call from a citizen who said that they saw a man running through their neighborhood. As this was happening, our Major Crimes Detectives and Forensic Personnel began their investigation at the scene where the truck was located.

At 5:17pm, Clinton Travis Drake was taken into custody in the 1200 Block of SE 26th Terrace, a short distance from the truck. Drake was brought to Cape Coral Police Headquarters where he confessed to Detectives that he had killed his grandfather, John William Drake.

Clinton Travis Drake will be charged with 2nd Degree Murder. The Cape Coral Police Department is working with the Hendry County Sheriff's Office as we speak due to the victim and suspect both residing in Clewiston, FL.

"First and foremost, we grieve for the Drake family tonight. They are going through an unspeakable tragedy; let's not lose sight of that. This was swift police work by the Officers and Supervisors of the 1st and 3rd Platoons as well as the K9 Unit and Aviation Unit to find this dangerous individual running the streets of Cape Coral. Our community has stepped up big again, as we were tipped off that a man was running through the neighborhood and it didn't seem quite right. That citizen called and it aided us in solving a heinous crime. We have made a commitment to being involved in this city, and in times like these, it pays dividends."- Lieutenant Tony Sizemore.

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PHOTO:  Mugshot of Luisa Coromoto Bado.  (Photo Courtesy of Lee County Sheriff's Office)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Detectives Take Down Grow House

(January 30, 2014)-  On Wednesday, January 29, 2014, Cape Coral Police Detectives took down a marijuana grow house in a NE Cape Coral neighborhood, seizing over 57 pounds of raw marijuana and $13,000 in cash.

Police responded to 4114 East Gator Circle after LCEC personnel discovered that electrical power was being illegally diverted to the residence.  When officers responded, they could smell the odor of raw marijuana coming from the front of the residence.

A search warrant was obtained and Detectives from the Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Unit made contact with the resident in the home, Luisa Coromoto Bado (W/F, DOB: 04-10-1964) and executed the search warrant.

Inside the residence was a fully operational grow operation was discovered inside the residence.  A total of 57.3 pounds of cannabis was seized along with $13,000 in US currency.  The investigation revealed that Bado rented this residence for the explicit purpose of cultivating cannabis and was paid by a 3rd party to maintain the crop.  Bado was arrested on multiple charges and transported to the Lee County Jail.  Photos from the residence are below:

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the search warrant service at 4114 East Gator Circle, Cape Coral.  A marijuana grow house was dismantled and 57 pounds of marijuana and $13,000 in cash were seized.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the search warrant service at 4114 East Gator Circle, Cape Coral.  A marijuana grow house was dismantled and 57 pounds of marijuana and $13,000 in cash were seized.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the search warrant service at 4114 East Gator Circle, Cape Coral.  A marijuana grow house was dismantled and 57 pounds of marijuana and $13,000 in cash were seized.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the search warrant service at 4114 East Gator Circle, Cape Coral.  A marijuana grow house was dismantled and 57 pounds of marijuana and $13,000 in cash were seized.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the search warrant service at 4114 East Gator Circle, Cape Coral.  A marijuana grow house was dismantled and 57 pounds of marijuana and $13,000 in cash were seized.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

ARRESTED:  Luisa Coromoto Bado (W/F, DOB: 04-10-1964) of 8565 NW 196th Ter., Hialeah, FL.

CHARGES:  MARIJUANA-TRAFFIC (EXCESS OF 25 LBS OR 300 PLANTS OR MORE), DRUGS-TRAFFIC (OWN RENT STRUCTURE VEH KNOW TRAFFIC DRUGS), DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (AND OR USE) x3, and MARIJUANA-PRODUCING (SCHEDULE I).

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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments Host Junior Leadership Public Safety Day

(January 30, 2014)-  On January 29, 2014, The Cape Coral Police Department hosted Junior Leadership Cape Coral for its annual Public Safety Day.  Police Chief Connelly and Fire Chief Cochran took time out of their days to speak with the young men and women who took part in this fun, educational,  and interactive event.  The day was filled, with talks, Q&A sessions, demonstrations, tours, and hands-on exhibits.  A photo gallery of the event and information about the program is below.

About the program, courtesy of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce:

"Junior Leadership Cape Coral

Junior Leadership Cape Coral is an educational and interactive program for local high school juniors. One of the program goals is to provide supplemental learning possibilities to students interested in developing leadership skills before leaving their high school years. Another goal is to share with the students the many career possibilities in the local area. Focus is on preparation for their future by learning about their local community. This is done in a nine session program filled with forums, specialized tours, and education by local business and community leaders. Students will examine local and relevant community issues at a mock City Council meeting. They will learn about the unique history of Cape Coral and meet local government officials. They will tour local television stations, radio stations and a local newspaper where they have an opportunity to learn about careers in media. They might even be on TV? They will tour a local hospital, speak with medical professionals and learn about medical careers. They will spend time learning about careers in public safety and law by visiting the Police & Fire departments, the Juvenile Justice Center and local courts. The students are also guided in developing business, communication and networking skills. They will spend one day learning to market & brand themselves for college and job applications and developing social networking skills. Students will also visit two local schools and pair with teachers to teach a lesson to elementary and middle school students, as they explore the career possibilities in education. These are just some of the areas that the 28 students will experience in this years class. This is the eleventh year of this program and is generously sponsored by The News-Press, The Cape Coral Community Foundation, LCEC and BJM Consulting.

For the fourth year, the students will award three $1000.00 grants to local non-profits after learning about the process of awarding grants. This opportunity is generously sponsored by The Cape Coral Community Foundation.

The Jr. Leadership Class of 2013 [was selected] from junior level students from Mariner High School, Cape Coral High School, Ida Baker High School, North Fort Myers High School, Island Coast High School and Oasis Charter High School.

For more information on how your school or child can be involved, please contact Office Manager, Claudia St. Onge at (239) 549-6900 x101."

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PHOTO:  Arrested:  Neal Jesse Joiner (W/M, DOB: 09-19-1985) of 3123 NW 16th Place, Cape Coral, FL.  (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Make Arrest in Marijuana Cultivation Operation

(January 30, 2014)- Cape Coral Police have arrested Neal Jesse Joiner of 3123 NW 16th Place, Cape Coral on charges of marijuana cultivation, possession with intent to sell, and paraphernalia charges.

Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Detectives were conducting surveillance on Joiner's residence prior to the execution of a search warrant when Joiner and a female companion left the residence in a yellow Jeep.  A traffic stop was conducted on Joiner a short distance away form the home for a minor traffic infraction.  A k-9 sniff of Joiner's car led officers at the stop to discover a small amount of marijuana in the visor above the driver's (Joiner's) seat.  Joiner was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 20 grams).

While under arrest at the traffic stop location, VIN Unit Detectives notified Joiner of the search warrant.  Cape Coral Police Department SWAT officers executed the warrant and cleared the residence.  Items of drug paraphernalia (glass bongs, scale with marijuana residue, mason jars containing marijuana, and ziplock baggies containing marijuana) were located inside the residence.  In a bedroom closet was a small but elaborate cultivation operation with lights, fans, and timers where four (4) marijuana plants were located.  The items were seized as evidence and Joiner was transported to Lee County Jail.  See photos below:

PHOTO:  Images taken from warrant service at 3123 NW 16th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.  Drug paraphernalia and a small cultivation operation were discovered.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Images taken from warrant service at 3123 NW 16th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.  Drug paraphernalia and a small cultivation operation were discovered.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Images taken from warrant service at 3123 NW 16th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.  Drug paraphernalia and a small cultivation operation were discovered.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

ARRESTED:  Neal Jesse Joiner (W/M, DOB: 09-19-1985) of 3123 NW 16th Place, Cape Coral, FL

CHARGES:  MARIJUANA-POSSESS - NOT MORE THAN 20 GRAMS, MARIJUANA-PRODUCING (SCHEDULE I), MARIJUANA-POSSESS (WITH INTENT TO SELL MFG OR DELIVER SCHEDULE I), and DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (AND OR USE) x2.

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PHOTO:  Picture  taken from in-store surveillance video of two suspects in a burglary/credit card fraud.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Picture  taken from in-store surveillance video of two suspects in a burglary/credit card fraud.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Picture  taken from in-store surveillance video of two suspects in a burglary/credit card fraud.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Need Your Help Identifying Two Burglary/Credit Card Fraud Suspects

(January 31, 2014)-  On January 31, 2014, two subjects were observed at the Circle K store located at 3704 Skyline Blvd, using our victims' credit card to purchase fuel a few minutes after she found her vehicle had been entered and items stolen.

The suspects arrived at the Circle K fuel pump and attempted to use one credit card to purchase fuel, but were not successful due to using an incorrect zip code. They both then entered the store, complained because the card wasn't working, and successfully used a second card which was also stolen from the victim, totaling  $80.00. The suspects arrived in a silver Dodge Ram extended cab pickup truck (unknown tag) and were last seen southbound on Skyline Blvd.

Please take a look at the gallery of photos above.  If you have any information on the identity of the suspects, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip. Go to www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip- text CCPD+"Your Message" to CRIMES (274637). Finally, you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

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ARRESTED:  Dalia Marien Sanchez-Benavides, W/F DOB:05-24-1985, of 3911 Chiquita Boulevard S., Cape Coral, FL

CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2))

ARRESTED:  Massiel Perez-Buxeda, W/F DOB: 06-24-1988, of 824 Mohawk Parkway, Cape Coral, Fl.

CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2)), COUNTERFEITING OF (FALSELY MAKE CREDIT CARD) (FSS 817.60 (6a)), POSSESS COUNTERFEITED (CREDIT CARDS TWO OR MORE) (FSS 817.60 (6b)), NEGLECT CHILD (NEGLECT CHILD WITHOUT GREAT BODILY HARM) (FSS 827.03 (2d))

ARRESTED:  Yankiel Blanco, W/M DOB: 09-05-1982, of 824 Mohawk Parkway, Cape Coral, FL.

CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2))

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police, North Port Police, and Lee County Sheriff's Office Partner to Take Down Marijuana Grow and Credit Card Fraud Ring

(January 31, 2014)-  In an investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions over the past three months, three people have been arrested by the Cape Coral Police Department in connection with a marijuana grow operation and a credit card counterfeiting operation.

On January 23, 2014, North Port Police executed a search warrant on a cannabis grow operation in their city.  A short time before the execution of this search warrant, a white Ford Fusion and a U-Haul truck were seen leaving the residence; however, North Port PD was unable to conduct surveillance on the vehicles.  North Port PD contacted Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Detectives and requested that they attempt to locate and conduct surveillance on these vehicles.  Cape Coral VIN Detectives had been assisting North Port Officers for the past several weeks.

Cape Coral Police Department VIN detectives located the Ford Fusion at 824 Mohawk Parkway,  Cape Coral and observed it leave the residence.  Detectives followed the vehicle until they were able to develop probable cause and make arrangements to have the vehicle stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  A subsequent search of this vehicle revealed over seventeen (17) pounds of cannabis. This led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, two (2) of which were suspects in the cannabis grow operations in North Port.

As a result of the surveillance and the search of the vehicle, Cape Coral Police Department VIN Detectives obtained a search warrant for 824 Mohawk Parkway.   The warrant service, was conducted shortly after midnight on January 24, 2014 by the Cape Coral Police Department SWAT Team and VIN Unit, with the assistance of our Street Crimes Unit, K9, and Patrol Bureau.  The warrant service revealed numerous pieces of equipment used in the construction and operation of a grow house.  Additionally, evidence of an ongoing credit card fraud scheme was found to include over 50 pre-paid debit cards that had their magnetic stripes re-encoded or that did not match the information embossed on the card. The residence appears to be a "base of operations" or a hub for the group's illicit activities.  This search warrant led to the arrest of three (3) additional suspects, one (1) of which was a suspect in the cannabis grow operation in North Port.  One of the subjects, Perez-Buxeda was not only charged for her involvement in the grow operation and fraud, but also with Child Neglect for housing her child in the residence that was a hub of criminal activity.

"The assistance provided by the Cape Coral Police Department bolstered our investigation and resulted in additional charges and suspects.  The professionalism and dedication to service that your detectives showed during this investigation was exemplary.  Know that without the assistance of the Cape Coral Police Department, our investigation could have been much more challenging."- Anthony J. Sirianni, Assistant Chief of Police, North Port Police Department.

"This case is a textbook example of what can happen when agencies partner with one another, share intelligence, and coordinate efforts.  Without the ongoing relationship and rapport between North Port and Cape Coral Detectives, we never would have been able to act so quickly to get eyes on the suspects.  Our brothers and sisters at the Lee County Sheriff's Office were able to drop what they were doing and assist at a moment's notice.  Without their help, this case just simply would not have unfolded like it did."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED:  Dalia Marien Sanchez-Benavides, W/F DOB:05-24-1985, of 3911 Chiquita Boulevard S., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2))

ARRESTED:  Massiel Perez-Buxeda, W/F DOB: 06-24-1988, of 824 Mohawk Parkway, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2)), COUNTERFEITING OF (FALSELY MAKE CREDIT CARD) (FSS 817.60 (6a)), POSSESS COUNTERFEITED (CREDIT CARDS TWO OR MORE) (FSS 817.60 (6b)), NEGLECT CHILD (NEGLECT CHILD WITHOUT GREAT BODILY HARM) (FSS 827.03 (2d)).

ARRESTED:  Yankiel Blanco, W/M DOB: 09-05-1982, of 824 Mohawk Parkway, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  DRUG EQUIP-POSSESS (MANUFACTURE DELIVER)- Felony (FSS 893.147 (2)).

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Photos taken from the warrant service at 824 Mohawk Parkway.  Pictures include equipment form a marijuana grow house operation and credit card fraud operation.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

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PHOTO:  Still images from armed robbery.  The suspects appear to be about 6’ tall and 200 lbs.  They fled southbound on foot and no vehicle description is available at this time.  They were described as black males, but the suspect in the gray hoodie looks to be possibly Hispanic.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Still images from armed robbery.  The suspects appear to be about 6’ tall and 200 lbs.  They fled southbound on foot and no vehicle description is available at this time.  They were described as black males, but the suspect in the gray hoodie looks to be possibly Hispanic.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

PHOTO:  Still images from armed robbery.  The suspects appear to be about 6’ tall and 200 lbs.  They fled southbound on foot and no vehicle description is available at this time.  They were described as black males, but the suspect in the gray hoodie looks to be possibly Hispanic.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Coral Police Need Your Help Identifying Two Robbery Suspects

(February 1, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police are currently investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night, January 31, 2014 around 6:30 PM.

On Friday, January 31, 2014 at around 6:30 PM, two subjects entered the Check-n-Go located at 1109 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral.  One of the suspects displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, then locked the door behind them.  They smashed the office phone and ordered employees to open the cash drawer.  The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot.  The suspect in the gray hoodie had his bandanna down during the robbery so he may be recognizable.

The suspects appear to be about 6’ tall and 200 lbs.  They fled southbound on foot and no vehicle description is available at this time.  They were described as black males, but the suspect in the gray hoodie looks to be possibly Hispanic.

If you have any information on the identity of the suspects, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip. Go to www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip- text CCPD+"Your Message" to CRIMES (274637). Finally, you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

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Arrested:  Billy Jo Snowden, W/M, DOB: 01-19-1972, of 1408 NW 1st. Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.  Charges:  DRUGS-PRODUCE (PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE).

Arrested:  Jamie Woodward, W/F, DOB: 12-17-1972, of 4900 Seville Dr., Sarasota, FL.  Charges:  DRUGS-PRODUCE (PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE), COCAINE-POSSESS (POSSESS COCAINE), and DRUGS-POSSESS (CNTRL SUB WO PRESCRIPTION).

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Traffic Stop for Seatbelt Yields Methamphetamine and Components for Lab

(February 4, 2014)-  A traffic stop for a simple seatbelt violation turned out to be much more than officers initially thought.

At around 1:30 AM, a Cape Coral Police Patrol Officer stopped a vehicle in the 200 Block of Del Prado Boulevard South when he noticed the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

During the stop, the driver, identified as Billy Jo Snowden, W/M, DOB: 01-19-1972, of 1408 NW 1st. Terrace, Cape Coral, FL was found to have an expired license.  After issuing a citation for the expired license and warning the driver about his seatbelt and concluding the traffic stop, the Patrol Officer obtained consent to search the vehicle.

During the search, Officers located a small baggie of methamphetamine in a wallet belonging to the passenger, identified as Jamie Woodward, W/F, DOB: 12-17-1972, of 4900 Seville Dr., Sarasota, FL.  Also located inside the car were chemicals and materials commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.  Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Detective (VIN) responded to assist with the investigation.  Both Snowden and Woodward were placed under arrest.  Additional components for the manufacture of methamphetamine were found on Snowden's person and a pill (Alprazolam) for which Woodward did not have a prescription was found on her.  Both were charged accordingly.  They were transported to Lee County Jail.

"This is another great example of how a Patrol Officer on a simple traffic stop looked beyond the surface infraction and found something much more serious.  Fortunately, these two didn't have the opportunity to combine these chemicals to cook more meth, making the disposal a much easier and safer process."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

Arrested:  Billy Jo Snowden, W/M, DOB: 01-19-1972, of 1408 NW 1st. Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.  Charges:  DRUGS-PRODUCE (PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE).

Arrested:  Jamie Woodward, W/F, DOB: 12-17-1972, of 4900 Seville Dr., Sarasota, FL.  
Charges:  DRUGS-PRODUCE (PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE), METHAMPHETAMINE-POSSESS (POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE), and DRUGS-POSSESS (CNTRL SUB WO PRESCRIPTION).

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PHOTO:  Image of the Cape Coral Police Department Police Volunteer Unit Patch.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

The Cape Coral Police Department Announces Its 2014 Police Volunteer Unit Appreciation Luncheon

(February 5, 2014)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is holding its annual Police Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon this Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Cape Coral Yacht Club Ballroom. 

The luncheon is scheduled from 11:00AM – 1:00 PM.  Chief of Police Bart Connelly will attend and discuss the value of the program to our community, the extraordinary number of hours the volunteers put in, and the cost savings attributed to their efforts. The CCPD Community Volunteer of the Year will also be awarded.

Cape Coral City Council Members as well as the City Manager are invited to join in recognizing this exceptional group of men and women who give so much back to the City of Cape Coral. Members of the media are also encouraged to attend.

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On the early morning hours of Sunday 12/29/2013 there were two smash and grab burglaries at two different businesses in the city of Cape Coral.  These were the two businesses:
 
1.       Bill's Appliance at 2134 Del Prado Blvd S.  At around 5:32am, a white male suspect can be seen in surveillance  video footage entering Bill's appliance store.  Once inside, the suspect went to the TV's and removed a 60 inch Sharp TV valued at $2600 and then left the store.  The white male is approximately 6ft tall, in his mid twenties, and weighed around 175lbs.  The suspect was wearing a dark colored hat, long sleeve shirt, desert camo pants, and white sneakers.   A vehicle was possibly used in order to gain entry into the business.

2.      Village Square Car Care at 877 Cape Coral Pkwy.  Suspect(s) smashed front door glass to the business.  Once inside suspect(s) removed a 32 inch TV and attempted to steal another one but was unsuccessful.

If you have any information on the identity of the suspect, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip. Go to www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip- text CCPD+"Your Message" to CRIMES (274637). Finally, you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

PHOTO:  Do the Right Thing logo.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Do The Right Thing for February 2014

(February 13, 2014)-  The next "Do The Right Thing" ceremony for February 2014 will be held on Wednesday, February 19th at 2:00pm in City Council Chambers.  This ceremony is open to the public and we encourage our community to come out and show their support to these outstanding young men and women who "did the right thing.” 

Eleven Cape Coral students will be recognized.  The winners’ nominations are after the break.

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Challenger Middle

Christian Davis – 7th
GradeTrey Koza – 7th Grade            
Ryan Schleiden – 7th Grade        
Louis Alberio – 7th Grade

Four young men from Challenger Middle, found a lost dog wearing a collar wandering in and out of the road on Skyline and Trafalgar Blvds and at the 7-11 store.  They took it upon themselves to ensure the safety of the dog by going to the nearby Dollar General store and purchasing rope to make a leash.  They then brought the dog to Mr. Dworzanski, Assistant Principal at Challenger Middle School stating that they knew he would know what to do to help the dog.  He arranged for one of the staff members to take the dog to a local veterinarian’s office. They found that the dog had a microchip and were able to locate the owner, who was coincidentally one of our own students!   Traffic moves rather quickly on Skyline. They very well may have saved the dog from getting hit by a car.  These young men demonstrated kindness, patience and compassion. 

Christa McAuliffe Charter School

Malley Menna – 3rd Grade

Malley is a 3rd grader from Christa McAuliffe Charter School.  This is what her teacher, Christi Llanes had to say about her.  Malley is not only very sweet, but she is also kind, caring, and giving. She helps anyone who needs it without even being asked. One thing that she does that really stands out is that she raises money for cancer research. She makes rubber loom jewelry and all proceeds she collects benefit cancer research.  Malley demonstrates good character, compassion and benevolence.

Gulf Elementary

Isabella Tamedl -5th Grade

Isabella is a 5th grader from Gulf Elementary.  She volunteers with her mom at Coral Trace Health Care.  Here is what the Activities/Volunteer Director Cindy Oster had to say about this young lady.  “When I first met her, I was surprised that a cute young girl was so bubbly.  Bella was ready to jump in and start.   After we got her started she fit in here like she has been volunteering forever.  She is a natural around the elderly.   This is Bella’s first time volunteering in a Nursing facility.  She helps out by passing mail to the residents and also if they just need someone to sit and chat.  Bella also helped the Nursing Facility get ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays.  At Coral Trace, they started a new charity called “Feed the Kids Campaign”.  They collected over 1,000 can food items and Bella gave up going to play with her friends to come in and help sort through all of it.  Bella was proud of herself and we felt more honored to have her.    We are very proud of Bella and feel like she has given back to her community and serve as a role model to others 100%. Bella demonstrates altruism, commitment and kindness.

Trynity Rodriguez-4th Grade

Trynity is a 4th grader at Gulf Elementary.  Here is what her teacher Ms. Bradshaw had to say about her.  During these economic hard times and sometimes lack of self control by some people, Trynity completely made the decision to bring money she had found at P.E. directly to me, no hesitation.  Great job!  Trynity demonstrated noting but honesty and integrity.    

Caloosa Middle School

Keirtris White    -7th Grade

Keirtris White is a 7th grader from Caloosa Middle School.  This is what the ESE Department Head Susan Knox had this to say about Keirtris.  Yesterday, while I was in the office of Caloosa Middle School a very nice young lady came in and returned a ten dollar bill. This was in the morning when the students were arriving to school.  There was no reason why Keirtris could not have kept the ten dollars, but she did not.  Instead she chose to do the right thing and returned it to the office.  Keirtis understands times are difficult for people right now and that ten dollars was important enough and needed to be returned.  Also, her honesty had a positive effect on me because it reminded me of the good in all people.  Keirtris demonstrated honesty.

Joseph Brochu -8th Grade

Jospeph Brochu is an 8th grader from Caloosa Middle School.  The ESE Department Head Susan Knox had this to say about Joseph.  It is difficult to be a student in middle school, considering the bullying and name calling and being made fun of as some student may experience.  We need more people like Joseph.  Joseph can immediately see an unjust being spoken or acted on.  What does Joseph do, instead of addressing the aggressor he will go to the person most affected by the insult and pick them up emotionally.  An example, “don’t worry about what he said, come with me.”  He is a friend to all.  Another example of the positive outburst of energy Joseph provides Caloosa Middle School is his eagerness and enthusiasm to greet everyone he comes into contact with by their name.  He is gifted in his kindness.  His kindness is truly inspiring.  Joseph spent much of his time at school in a life skills setting.  He has become a social butterfly, but his kindness is expressed by wondering into life skills and supporting his friends who need him and teachers who miss him.  He is exceptional and he is a friend to all. This all true! He is a great kid, a good role model.  He likes to help others and realizes that when he does it makes him feel better about himself and all he has accomplished.  Joseph demonstrates benevolence, empathy, good character, commitment and integrity.

Oasis Charter Middle

Sarah Jurkowski – 8th Grade
Samantha Bebber – 8th Grade    

Sarah and Samantha, two eighth graders from Oasis Charter Middle School, worked at Samantha’s father store.  The money that both young ladies worked for went towards purchase of Christmas gifts for less fortunate students.  Sarah and Samantha both demonstrated compassion and altruism.

CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Office
1100 Cultural Park Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 242-3341

Cape Police Discover Mobile Meth Lab While Investigating a Suspicious Vehicle

PHOTO:  ARRESTED: Keith Mitchell Lakin, W/M, DOB: 07-05-1981, of 2814 NW 19th Avenue, Cape Coral.  (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

(February 14, 2014)-  Officers got more than they bargained for while checking out a suspicious vehicle.  On Thursday, February 13, 2014, Cape Coral Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle that was occupied by two males and parked in a field near the intersection of NW 18th Avenue and NW 27th Terrace, Cape Coral.

PHOTO:  Hybrid aerial view of 1800 block of NW 27th Ter., Cape Coral.  (Photo Courtesy of Apple)

Officers responded and located the vehicle making contact with the two subjects inside the vehicle.  Officers saw a meth-pipe laying in plain view on the passenger seat (where Lakin was seated) while speaking to the subjects and detained them while they began a narcotics investigation.

Post-Miranda, Lakin admitted that the pipe belonged to him and that he used it to smoke methamphetamine.

Officers searched the vehicle for additional narcotics and paraphernalia.  Under the passenger (Lakin's) seat and in the floorboard behind it, officers located a "one pot" methamphetamine lab  and numerous items used in the production of methamphetamine.

Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Detectives were notified and responded.Field tests were conducted on the meth oil that was in the mobile lab which yielded a positive result for methamphetamine and a total weight of 31.5 ounces. Evidence was  collected at the scene.

Lakin was arrested for manufacturing and trafficking in methamphetamine.  He was transported to Cape Coral Police Department for processing then later to Lee County Jail.  Investigation revealed that the other occupant of the vehicle had no involvement with the methamphetamine and was not charged. 

Due to the toxic and volatile nature of the chemicals that were found, a hazardous materials disposal team had to respond to safely dismantle and dispose of the lab.

ARRESTED: Keith Mitchell Lakin, W/M, DOB: 07-05-1981, of 2814 NW 19th Avenue, Cape Coral,FL.

CHARGES:  AMPHETAMINE-TRAFFIC (OR METHAMPHETAMINE 14 GRAMS OR OVER) and DRUGS-PRODUCE (PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE)

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