Cape Coral Police Department Newsroom - Cape Coral Police Department

PHOTO: Blue light from a police car in the distance reflects off of crime scene tape that was stretched across Cape Coral Parkway as Traffic Homicide Investigators worked a fatal crash Friday night. (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 Investigate Traffic Fatality Involving a Motorcyclist and Pedestrian

(March 15, 2014)- At around 9:30 PM Friday night, Cape Coral Police responded to the 700 block of Cape Coral Parkway East on a serious injury crash involving a motorcycle, a pedestrian, and a pickup truck.

The investigation revealed that a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Cape Coral Parkway struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road, fatally injuring the pedestrian and ejecting the motorcyclist, resulting in critical injuries. The motorcycle continued its forward momentum, striking another vehicle, a pickup truck, causing minor injuries to the driver before coming to final rest at the intersection of Coronado and Cape Coral Parkway. As a result of the crash, three people were injured, two critically. All persons involved were transported to local hospitals for treatment. One person (pedestrian) died at the hospital. Below is the preliminary synopsis of the Traffic Homicide Investigator. An additional release will be issued once positive identification is made and next of kin are notified.

DATE: March 13, 2014
TIME: 2126
CR: 14-004416
LOCATION: 700 block Cape Coral Parkway East
ASSIGNED THI: Officer Nicholas Green

PEDESTRIAN 1: John Doe, DOB Unknown, Address Unknown
PEDESTRIAN 1 INJURIES: John Doe died as a result of the traffic crash.

VEHICLE 1: A red, 2014 Honda motorcycle.
DRIVER 1: 57 year-old W/M, Ft. Myers, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Suffered life threatening injuries in the traffic crash.

**** NEXT OF KIN IS KNOWN, HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME CONTACT WITH THEM HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL ****

VEHICLE 2: A gold, 2002 Ford pickup truck.
DRIVER 2: Thomas Bivona, W/M 01/06/1959, 4920 Chiquita Blvd S. Apt 205, Cape Coral, Florida 33914
DRIVER 2 INJURIES: Bivona suffered minor injuries in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS:

Pedestrian-1 was walking East across Cape Coral Pkwy and was in the inside Eastbound straight lane of Cape Coral Pkwy.

Vehicle-1 was traveling East in the inside lane at the 700 block of Cape Coral Pkwy.

Vehicle-2 was traveling North on Coronado Pkwy in the inside Westbound turning lane and was stopped in traffic at the intersection of Cape Coral Pkwy

While Vehicle-1 was traveling East, Pedestrian-1 entered into the lane of travel for Vehicle-1. Once Pedestrian-1 was in Vehicle-1’s lane of travel, Vehicle-1’s front end struck the right side of Pedestrian-1. Pedestrian-1 was then ejected off of Vehicle-1, landing on the road and traveling East until he came to his final rest. At the same time, the driver of Vehicle-1 was also ejected from Vehicle-1, landing on the road and traveling East until he came to his final rest. Vehicle-1 continued to travel East, striking the South curb of Cape Coral Pkwy. After striking the curb, Vehicle-1 traveled East, crossing the South lanes of Coronado Pkwy. Vehicle-1 then drove onto and crossed the median of Coronado Pkwy and struck the left front side of Vehicle-2. Vehicle-1 then came to its final rest on the median of Coronado Pkwy with the front end resting against Vehicle-2.

The driver of Vehicle-1 suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital by ambulance where he was listed in critical condition. Pedestrian-1 suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, while in route the Hospital, the Pedestrian was rerouted to the Cape Coral Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. The driver of Vehicle-2 suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to the Cape Coral Hospital, he was later released from the Hospital.

At this time a possible lead of the identification for Pedestrian-1, however Pedestrian-1’s identification cannot be confirmed until the autopsy is conducted. Pedestrian-1 will continue to be listed a John Doe until the identity is confirmed.

Alcohol/drugs ARE NOT a factor in the traffic crash. THI Officers Satterlee, Green and responded, as well as Forensics Fordham and VA Seymour.

Breakdown of the past 5 years:

2014= 1 Traffic fatality
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: Patrol Officers and Traffic Homicide Investigators had Cape Coral Parkway Shut down for about 3 hours on Friday night, following a fatal crash between a motorcycle and a pedestrian. (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

UPDATE- Pedestrian and Motorcyclist in Fatal Crash Identified

(March 15, 2014)- Cape Coral Police have been able to positively identify the pedestrian who died in last night's crash on Cape Coral Parkway:

PEDESTRIAN 1: Joseph Dellifranci, DOB 09/05/1953, 4813 Apt 4 Atlantic Ct, Cape Coral, Florida 33904.
PEDESTRIAN 1 INJURIES: Joseph Dellifranci died as a result of the traffic crash.

The next of kin for Driver 1 has also been notified of the traffic crash:

DRIVER 1: Leslie S. Foreman, W/M, 01/25/1957, 6600 Industrial Dr., Ft. Myers, Florida 33912.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Foreman suffered life threatening injuries in the traffic crash.

Original release after the break.

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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 Investigate Traffic Fatality Involving a Motorcyclist and Pedestrian

PEDESTRIAN 1: John Doe, DOB Unknown, Address Unknown
PEDESTRIAN 1 INJURIES: John Doe died as a result of the traffic crash.

VEHICLE 1: A red, 2014 Honda motorcycle.
DRIVER 1: 57 year-old W/M, Ft. Myers, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Suffered life threatening injuries in the traffic crash.

**** NEXT OF KIN IS KNOWN, HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME CONTACT WITH THEM HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL ****

SYNOPSIS:

Pedestrian-1 was walking East across Cape Coral Pkwy and was in the inside Eastbound straight lane of Cape Coral Pkwy.

Vehicle-1 was traveling East in the inside lane at the 700 block of Cape Coral Pkwy.

Vehicle-2 was traveling North on Coronado Pkwy in the inside Westbound turning lane and was stopped in traffic at the intersection of Cape Coral Pkwy

Alcohol/drugs ARE NOT a factor in the traffic crash. THI Officers Satterlee, Green and responded, as well as Forensics Fordham and VA Seymour.

Breakdown of the past 5 years:

2014= 1 Traffic fatality
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: ARRESTED: Alex Saul Perrotta, B/M, DOB: 09-30-1988, of 134 SE 12th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.

CHARGES: Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid DL, Fleeing & Eluding Police, and Possession of a Weapon or Ammo By a Convicted Felon. (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

PHOTO: ARRESTED: Otis Marchman, B/M, DOB: 05-03-1976, of 1430 Floral Drive, Fort Myers, FL.

CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine and Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription (3 counts). (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

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

Armed Disturbance Leads to Pursuit, Drugs, and a Firearm Thrown From a Moving Car

(March 17, 2014)- A disturbance on Saturday afternoon involving an armed subject resulted in a short pursuit, a firearm being thrown from a moving vehicle, and two people being arrested on multiple charges, including narcotics.

At around 3:00 PM, Officers responded to a disturbance call at 736 SW 8th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL. The caller advised that two black male subjects were in a black 4-door Pontiac in front of this residence and that a firearm had been brandished.

Responding officers saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle stationary, in the street front of the residence. As responding units got closer, the vehicle began to leave the area.

Observing multiple equipment violations on the suspect vehicle, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver (Perrotta) refused to stop and accelerated away from the marked patrol car, at one point running a red light at Santa Barbara Boulevard and Pine Island Road.

While traveling East on Pine Island Road, a black handgun was tossed from the vehicle. One officer stopped to secure the handgun while others continued. It was determined that the gun was a loaded, small-caliber, semiautomatic.

The suspect vehicle turned onto NE 10th Place and then turned east, crossing several vacant lots and driving between houses. The vehicle came to a stop between two residences in the 1100 block of NE 9th Street. Both occupants (Perrotta and Marchman) attempted to flee on foot to the south, but were quickly apprehended without further incident.

A witness from the initial disturbance call was brought to the scene and positively identified both subjects as being at the residence and Perrotta as the subject who displayed the firearm.

Marchman was found to be in possession of Cocaine, Suboxone, Hydromorphone, one unidentified pill (submitted to FDLE for testing and identification), and Heroin.

"Thanks to the solid police work of the members of our Patrol Bureau, these two are still sitting in Lee County Jail. These two were clearly up to no good from the beginning, and showed complete disregard for the safety of the public by fleeing and tossing a loaded gun from a car."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer

ARRESTED: Alex Saul Perrotta, B/M, DOB: 09-30-1988, of 134 SE 12th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid DL, Fleeing & Eluding Police, Running a Red Light, Illegal Window Tint, and Possession of a Weapon or Ammo By a Convicted Felon.

ARRESTED: Otis Marchman, B/M, DOB: 05-03-1976, of 1430 Floral Drive, Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine and Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription (3 counts).

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PHOTO: A photo of the damage caused in Monday night's crash n the 2700 block of Archer Parkway. This shows the area of impact on the car involved in the crash. (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Fire Department)

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

Cape Coral Police Make Arrest in St. Patrick's Day Crash

(March 21, 2014)- Cape Coral Police have made an arrest in a crash that occurred in the 2700 block of Archer parkway on Monday night.

On March 20, 2014 at 8:04 pm, Jonathan Michael Blevins 2-6-92, was placed under arrest for the Traffic Homicide Investigation that occurred on March 17, 2014 at 9:22 pm in the 2700 block Archer Parkway East. A driver’s license check of Blevins shows that it is currently suspended (4 times) for failure to pay traffic fines and failing to complete court appointed traffic school. Blevins suffered minor injuries in the traffic crash.

The passenger, Robert Ahern 11-16-91, suffered numerous serous injuries as a result of the crash. Ahern remains at Lee Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

Blevins was booked into Lee County Jail on the following charges:

1 count- Driving While License Suspended Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Felony)
1 count- Careless Driving.

The initial synopsis of the Traffic homicide Investigator is below:

DATE: March 17, 2014
TIME: 9:22 pm
LOCATION: 2700 block Archer Parkway East
CR: 14-004612

VEHICLE: 2003 Toyota Camry 4 door, blue in color, Florida tag# 282QLW.

DRIVER: Jonathan Michael Blevins, 2-6-92, W/M, 3007 SE 15 Avenue, Cape Coral, Florida 33904.
DRIVER INJURIES: Blevins suffered minor injuries.

PASSENGER: Robert Charles Ahern, 11-16-91, W/M, 1939 SE 21 Street, Cape Coral, Florida 33904.
PASSENGER INJURIES: Ahern suffered serious injuries.

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1 was East on Archer Parkway from Country Club Boulevard. The roadway was wet and there was light rain. Vehicle 1 attempted to negotiate a left turn in the roadway and over-steered. Vehicle 1 rotated counter clockwise and entered into the median. Vehicle 1 traveled sideways with the passenger side leading. A palm tree in the median struck the area just in front of the front passenger door. Vehicle 1 then struck a second palm tree in the median at the pillar between the front and rear doors, crushing inward. Vehicle 1 then spun and faced Southwest where it drove forward approximately 45 feet and into the front driveway/yard of 2727 Archer Parkway.

The front passenger was initially trauma alerted by ambulance to Lee Memorial Hospital. The driver was also transported separately to Lee Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. At Lee Memorial Hospital, both individuals were listed as having lower than expected injuries and was not life threatening. M/Cpl. Satterlee and Forensics responded.

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Photo: Matthew Hermanns, W/M, DOB: 11-22-1982, of 2115 NE 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral, FL (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

PHOTO: Over $4600 in US currency and 10.5 lbs. of marijuana were seized by Cape Coral Police Department VIN Detectives following the execution of a search warrant at 2115 NE 2nd Avenue. (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

Search Warrant Leads to Over 10 lbs. of Marijuana and $4,600 Cash

(March 21, 2014)- On March 20th, 2014. at around 2:50 pm, the Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit (VIN), with the assistance of Patrol and the Street Crimes Unit, served a search warrant at 2115 NE 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral, FL.

Matthew Hermanns, W/M, DOB: 11-22-1982, of 2115 NE 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral, FL was detained prior to the execution of the search warrant because he was found to be in violation of state probation. Hermanns is on probation for Accessory After the Fact to Attempted Homicide.

Detectives conducted a search of the garage and found the following items:

(2) Ziploc bags containing marijuana "bud" (inside orange bucket in garage).
(5) Ziploc bags containing marijuana "bud" (inside green bucket in garage).
(6) Ziploc bags containing marijuana "bud" (inside white bucket that was found in the attic).
Blade digital scale with marijuana residue (inside green bucket where the marijuana was found).

The combined weight of the marijuana that was found inside the garage/attic was 10.5 pounds.

Detectives located the following in the master bedroom:

$1,430 US currency (inside second drawer of dresser).
Box of Federal .40 caliber ammunition with 34 rounds (inside top drawer of dresser).
A Glock 27 case that contained a magazine with 7 rounds (inside the master bathroom closet).

Street Crimes officers located the following in the kitchen:

$3,210 US currency (inside kitchen cabinet).

Post-Miranda, Hermanns admitted to ownership of the marijuana, but denied ownership of the bullets that were found in the residence, claiming they belonged to his wife.

Matthew William Hermanns was charged with:

Possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver F.S.S. 893.13 (1a2);
Violation of probation F.S.S 948.06 because Probation Officer Robert Witt found him in violation of the terms of his probation prior to the execution of the search warrant;
Possession of ammunition of a convicted felon F.S.S 790.23 (1a), because Hermanns' post-Miranda statements clearly indicated that he was fully aware of the ammunition that was found within the residence (while knowing that he was strictly prohibited from possessing weapons or ammunition of any kind); and
Possession of drug paraphernalia F.S.S. 893.147 (1), because of the digital scale that contained marijuana residue.

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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 Make Arrest in "Retail Rage" Incident

(March 24, 2014)- Cape Coral Police have made an arrest in a violent confrontation that occurred at the Lowe's located at 165 NE Pine Island Road on March 20, 2014.

On March 20th, officers responded to Lowe's located at 165 NE Pine Island Road in reference to a disturbance in progress. By the time officers arrived, the disturbance had ended. Officers learned that a verbal confrontation over cutting in line at a loading area near the garden center turned violent. During the confrontation, one customer verbally assaulted another, cursing at them. Things escalated when the irate customer (suspect) jumped into the bed of the other's (victim) pickup truck and began throwing bags of mulch out of the bed that had been loaded in for purchase. The suspect further escalated things when she slapped and kicked the victim.

Witnesses provided not only written statements to officers, but clear cellphone video which enabled officers to make a positive identification of the suspect, Autumn Kristina Glick, W/F, DOB: 12-08-1981, of 1121 NE 11th St., Cape Coral, and her vehicle, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle that left prior to officers arriving. Officers went to the suspect's residence and made contact with Glick through a window at the home. Glick, refused to come out of the house because "If I do, I'll be going in the back of your car." Glick also told officers that she had no one to care for her children until her husband returned home.

Today, Officers returned to Glick's residence and took her into custody without incident. She was transported to Cape Coral Police Department for processing then later to Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Autumn Kristina Glick, W/F, DOB: 12-08-1981, of 1121 NE 11th St., Cape Coral.

CHARGES: Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older (Felony).

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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 Investigate Traffic Fatality Overnight

(March 29, 2014)- On Friday night, Cape Coral Police responded to a serious injury crash at Del Prado Boulevard North & Coral Lakes Boulevard. The crash involved a motorcycle and a van. The motorcyclist, identified as Brian Michael Giel, was pronounced dead at the scene. A Cape Coral Police Traffic Homicide Investigator (THI) is handling the investigation. Below is the initial synopsis from the THI:

DATE: 3-28-14
TIME: 2010 hours
LOCATION: Del Prado Boulevard North & Coral Lakes Boulevard
CR#: 14-005279
THI OFFICER: Satterlee

VEHICLE 1: 1995 Suzuki motorcycle green in color, Florida tag# 8977LF.
DRIVER 1: Brian Michael Giel, W/M, 5-22-90, 1927 SE 11 Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33990.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Giel died on scene due to injuries in the traffic crash.

VEHICLE 2: 2014 Dodge Caravan blue in color, Florida tag# BPXK68.
DRIVER 2: Lee Reeves, W/M, 6-1-53, 3012 Lake Manatee Court, Cape Coral, Florida 33909.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES: Reeves suffered no injuries.

PASSENGER: Colicia Reeves, W/F, 1-5-57, 3012 Lake Manatee Court, Cape Coral, Florida 33909.
PASSENGER INJURIES: Reeves suffered no injuries.

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1, a motorcycle, was traveling South on Del Prado Boulevard approaching the area of Coral Lakes. Vehicle 2 was North on Del Prado Boulevard and entered into the turn lane to turn West into Coral Lakes.

According to the driver of Vehicle 2, there were no lights/vehicles approaching the intersection and began to turn. The driver advised that Vehicle 1 then appeared in front of his headlights and the front of Vehicle 2 struck the left side of Vehicle 1. The driver of Vehicle 1 was ejected from the vehicle, struck the roadway and then the curb with his head. The driver of Vehicle 1 came to final rest in the front lawn of Coral Lakes.

CCFD and Lee County EMS arrived and declared the driver of Vehicle 1 deceased on scene. The driver of Vehicle 2 showed NO signs/clues of impairment.

The next-of-kin HAS been notified. THI officers Satterlee, Green and Slover responded. Forensics and VA notified.

This is the SECOND traffic fatality in the year of 2014.

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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 Department Conducts Insurance Fraud Operation

(April 1, 2014)- Today, the Cape Coral Police Department conducted an operation targeting uninsured motorists and those w/fraudulent insurance cards.

The Cape Coral Police Department, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and representatives from 24 major insurers in the state of Florida partnered for this operation.

The Cape Coral Police Department deployed 23 officers on the road, and a 4-person investigative task force in support of this operation.

During the course of this operation, officers conducted 161 traffic stops resulting in:

106 Insurance Card checks;
79 Warning Tickets;
61 Citations, and
2 arrests (Driving with suspended license)

Special thanks to the representatives from the many major insurers, including (but not limited to):

Allstate
Auto-Owners Insurance company
Southern Owners
Security National
British West
State Farm
Foremost
21st Century Auto Insurance
Infinity
National General Insurance
GEICO
Farmer's Insurance
GMAC

"Insurance fraud and uninsured motorists cost citizens millions of dollars a year in higher insurance premiums and put people in jeopardy on the roads every day. We appreciate our partners at the NICB and the representatives from the state's major insurers for their assistance in making this enforcement operation a success."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

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PHOTO: Photo of print invitation to the Kate Bryson Memorial Walk and Butterfly Release. Text from invitation is below. (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 Participate in
The Kate Bryson Memorial Walk and Butterfly Release

(April 3, 2014)- The Cape Coral Police Department invites you to participate with us in the Kate Bryson Memorial Walk and Butterfly Release, this Saturday morning at 10 AM at Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers.

This event, hosted by the 20th Judicial Circuit Victim Services Coalition, begins the observance of National Crime Victims Rights Week, which runs from April 6-12, 2014 here in SWFL.

Every year, National Crime Victims' Rights Week affords victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned community members an opportunity to reflect on the history of crime victims' rights- on the many obstacles already overcome, and the new challenges that require new solutions.

When: April 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Where: Lakes Regional Park
Pavilion B-4
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908

We will conclude the morning with a butterfly release in honor of victims of crime.

Parking: $1/hr. or $5/day. For more information visit www.leeparks.org.

The vision of National Crime Victims' Rights Week is to:

Raise the public's consciousness and generate media awareness about the impact of crime on individuals, families, and communities in order to promote and strengthen programs, public policy and services that promote victim justice;
To remember the pain and suffering of crime victims by honoring them and publicly recognizing their losses, and by reminding all Americans that victims of crime are people they know and love;
To celebrate the many accomplishments of the victim assistance field;
And recommit our individual and collective resources to meet the needs of all victims of crime.

There will be a designated table should you wish to bring a picture of your loved one in remembrance.

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PHOTO: Photo of retail theft suspect. The suspect is described as: Hispanic Male, 507-509, 160 lbs., 30's to 40's, and Bald. (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 a Retail Theft Suspect

(April 3, 2014)- Cape Coral Police need your help in identifying a retail theft suspect.

On Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 (Sports Authority) 1810 NE Pine Island Road Cape Coral, Lee County, Florida reported a theft of store merchandise. The manager was notified by store employees that a hispanic male entered the store with a jacket in his hand and that he (the Hispanic male) is the same individual that has been stealing merchandise from the store in the past.

The manager walked to the footwear department and engaged in conversation with the hispanic male. Assistance was requested and the manager then needed to assist a customer at which time the hispanic male exited the store with merchandise concealed under the jacket he was holding. The manager then went back to the area where the Hispanic male had been and recovered four empty shoe boxes. The male concealed the shoes in his waistband and his jacket according to a store employee. The total value of the stolen merchandise is $270.

The suspect is described as:

Hispanic Male
507-509, 160 lbs.
30's to 40's
Bald

Please take a look at the photos and video above. 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.

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

PHOTO: ARRESTED: Mark Allen Wiseman, W/M, DOB: 06-24-1979, of 520 Hancock Bridge Parkway East. (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

Cape Coral Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender
For Attempting to Lure a Child Into His Vehicle

(April 4, 2014)- Cape Coral Police Officers and Detectives have arrested a man who is a registered sex offender for interference with custody of a minor after he attempted to lure a young girl into his vehicle.

On April 3, 2014, officers responded to a complaint that while walking to her bus stop on NE Van Loon Lane, a juvenile was approached by a W/M driving a blue-green vehicle with shiny wheels who tried to convince her to get in his car for a ride. When she refused, the W/M drove by slowly, then made a U-turn and slowed down as the vehicle began to pass her. The juvenile female ran away from the vehicle to a family friend, and witness, nearby.

Both the juvenile and the witness described the vehicle to officers. The juvenile also provided a description of the driver. The witness believed the vehicle belonged to someone who lived in the area. Officers found a vehicle matching the description at 520 Hancock Bridge Parkway E. and made contact with the resident there, Mark Allen Wiseman. Wiseman matched the description provided to officers by the juvenile.

Investigation revealed that Wiseman is a registered sex offender. Wiseman provided a Post-Miranda statement to detectives that he was the registered owner and sole driver of that vehicle and that he did offer a ride to a young female who he saw walking on Hancock Bridge Parkway. Wiseman remarked to detectives that though he was prohibited from having contact with minors while on probation, he didn't think it was a problem now that he is not on probation. From the arrest report:

"Mark [Wiseman] said when he was 21 years old he was arrested for having sex with a 14 year old girl. He went to jail and when he got out he was put on probation and labeled a sex offender. A condition of his probation prohibited him from having contact with minors. He said if he was still on probation and the same conditions applied he would have never asked the girl if she needed a ride because he knows he would have been violating his probation. He said since he is no longer on probation he doesn't see a problem with him talking to minors.
Mark [Wiseman] said when he got arrested for having sex with a 14 year old girl he told the police that he would move to the State of Arkansas because there it's legal to have sex with a 14 year old girl. He said if he lived in Arkansas and he met a 14 year old girl with no family he would have sex with her and said it would be exciting. If the 14 year old girl had a family he would get permission from her parents first. He said if he had a lot of money he would do whatever he could but since he's just a normal guy he only does what he can get away with.
Mark [Wiseman] was referencing having sex and said he thinks the younger guys don't know what they're doing so they younger girls want the older guys who know what they're doing and the older guys have money."

Based on the fact that the juvenile and witness positively identified Mark Wiseman's vehicle, a Turquoise Chevrolet bearing Florida tag# LZQ-096, as the suspect vehicle, and Wiseman's admission that he was the registered owner of the vehicle and the only one who drove the vehicle on 04-03-14, and that Mark Wiseman without lawful authority knowingly enticed a minor from the custody of her parents was placed under arrest for Interference with child custody, F.S.S. 787.03

ARRESTED: Mark Allen Wiseman, W/M, DOB: 06-24-1979, of 520 Hancock Bridge Parkway East.

CHARGES: FAMILY OFFENSE (INTERFERE W CUSTODY OF MINOR INCOMP PERSON)- Felony

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

PHOTO: U Text. U Drive. U Pay logo. (Photo Courtesy of US Department of Transportation)

Cape Coral Police Department Joining in the
First Nationwide Distracted Driving Enforcement Initiative

(April 7, 2014)- Motorists from all over the country are reminded that from April 10-15, 2014, law enforcement personnel will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text while driving. This effort is a part of the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement (HVE) campaign that combines periods of intense enforcement of anti-texting laws with advertising and media outreach to let people know about the enforcement and convince them to obey the law.

“People need to know that we are serious about stopping this deadly behavior,” said Sgt. Patrick O'Grady, of the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit. “Driving and texting has reached epidemic levels, and enforcement of our state texting law is part of the cure.”

Violating Florida’s texting law, which became effective on October 1, 2013, can be costly and dangerous.

In 2012, there were 3,328 people killed and 421,000 injured nationwide in distraction-affected crashes. The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute reports that a quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive, and 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.

“When you text while driving, you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving. That puts everyone else’s lives in danger, and no one has the right to do that.”- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

The successes of the Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns have proven that the combination of tough laws, targeted advertising, and high-visibility enforcement can change people’s risky traffic safety behaviors. This strategy was implemented as part of the Phone in One Hand. Ticket in the Other distraction demonstration effort in Hartford, Connecticut, and Syracuse, New York, in 2010 and2011, and then to Delaware and Sacramento County in 2012 and 2013. In both projects, texting (and cell phone use) declined dramatically. Based on these encouraging results, DOT has developed the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. national campaign.

The U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign is national in scope, and States that applied and that have primary enforcement of their text messaging laws were awarded approximately $8 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support this and other efforts designed to fight distracted driving. The national U Text. U Drive. U Pay. enforcement blitz is also supported by an $8.5 million national advertising campaign, designed to raise awareness about the enforcement effort and remind people about the deadly consequences of driving and texting.

For more information, please visit www.distraction.gov

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PHOTO: Picture of Cape Coral Police Patrol Car outside of crime scene tape at a serious injury crash. (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

Driver's Condition From Yesterday's Serious Injury Crash on Del Prado Improved; Alcohol and/or Drugs a Factor

(April 10, 2014)- Yesterday evening around 6:00 PM, Cape Coral Police responded to a major traffic crash in the 2300 block of Del Prado Boulevard S., near Veterans Memorial Parkway.

The crash involved a passenger car and a motorcycle and as a result of the crash, the motorcyclist was ejected and sustained, what was believed to be at the time, life-threatening injuries. The motorcyclist's condition has since been downgraded to serious, but non-life-threatening.

Cape Coral Police Department Patrol Officers, Traffic Homicide investigators (THI), and Forensics responded to the scene. The investigation thus far revealed that alcohol and/or drugs are a factor. Please see the initial synopsis from the THI:

DATE: April 9, 2014
TIME: 1759
CR: 14-005986
LOCATION: 2300-Block of Del Prado Boulevard South
ASSIGNED THI: Corporal Nickolas J. Slover

VEHICLE 1: a silver/black, 2004 Honda Shadow Motorcycle.
DRIVER 1: Leonard Mark Chaifetz, W/M, 12/09/1953, 1020 Southeast 26th Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33904.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Chaifetz was trauma alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries but is now listed in stable condition with serious injuries.

VEHICLE 2: a white, 2006 Hyundai Elantra five door.
DRIVER 2: Kathleen Ann Francois, W/F, 06/05/1965, 2308 Highway 84 West, Brownwood, Texas 76801.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES: Francois reported no injuries at the time of the traffic crash.
PASSENGER 2: Dawn M. Barnum, W/F, 06/05/1959, 309 King Muir Road, Lake Forrest, Illinois, 60045.
PASSENGER 2 INJURIES: Barnum reported no injuries at the time of the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS: Vehicle # 1, was South bound on Del Prado Boulevard South, in the middle lane, approaching the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Vehicle # 2, was South bound on Del Prado Boulevard South, in the inside lane, approaching the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

For unknown reasons, the driver of Vehicle # 1 changed lanes from the middle lane into the inside lane. This action caused Vehicle # 1 to strike Vehicle # 2 on the right side. The driver of Vehicle # 1 was ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle and driver slid in a Southwest direction before coming to final rest just before the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The driver of Vehicle # 1 was trauma alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries. Once at the hospital, the driver of Vehicle # 1 was downgraded and is listed with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of Vehicle # 1 was NOT wearing a helmet at the time of the traffic crash. Alcohol/drugs ARE a factor in the traffic crash. THI Officers Slover and Satterlee responded, as well as Forensics Potts.

Breakdown of the past 5 years FYI:

2014= 2 Traffic fatalities

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: ARRESTED: Tariq Khan, A/M, DOB: 05-20-1980, of 2135 SE 15 Place, Cape Coral. (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

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

Suspect Assaults Neighbor and Officers With a Firearm; Arrested

(April 10, 2014)- Last night, Officers responded to a disturbance involving a firearm and met the victim at the 2200 block of Del Prado Blvd. The victim stated that he was walking through the alley when an unknown subject approached him from the rear of a residence. According to the victim, the subject appeared very intoxicated, screaming and waving around a firearm. The victim stated he felt immediate fear when his assailant pointed the firearm in his direction. That is when the victim fled on foot and called the police.

While speaking to the victim, Officers saw a male in the alley that matched the description provided by the victim. The victim pointed at the male in the alley and confirmed that this was the suspect. Officers (in full uniform) made contact with the suspect and approached him, announcing themselves as “Cape Coral Police” with their firearms drawn. The subject took a "low ready" stance and pointed his firearm in one Officer's direction and then lowered it. The Officers gave several commands for the subject to drop his firearm, but he suddenly ran back to the rear lanai area of a residence just off of the alley (later determined to be the subject's own residence). The subject appeared to put the gun down and then came back out, continuing to yell and scream at Officers on scene.

Despite numerous and repeated attempts by officers to give the subject verbal commands, he would not comply. The subject would not listen to any verbal orders to get on the ground, so seizing an opportunity, one Officer conducted a controlled takedown and took him into custody. The subject, identified as Tariq Khan, A/M, DOB: 05-20-1980, of 2135 SE 15 Place, Cape Coral, was later transported to the Cape Coral ER for treatment, and then to Lee County jail without further incident.

"This was a perfect storm of bad decisions on the part of Mr. Khan that could have resulted in a very tragic outcome. Alcohol and firearms don't mix...period. Fortunately for Mr. Khan, our officers exercised restraint and utilized sound tactics and were able to resolve this situation without serious injury or loss of life."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer

ARRESTED: Tariq Khan, A/M, DOB: 05-20-1980, of 2135 SE 15 Place, Cape Coral.

CHARGES: Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault on LEO, Use of a Firearm While Under the Influence (x2), Resisting an Officer.

listen to ‘Cape Coral Police Arrest Armed, Intoxicated Subject After He Threatens Neighbor and Officers With Gun’ on Audioboo

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PHOTO: Arrested: Norman Winston Clarke (AKA "Rasta"), B/M, DOB: 06-03-1954, of 827 Diplomat Parkway E, Cape Coral. (Photo Courtesy of LCSO)

PHOTO: Arrested: Gennine Jacotine, B/F, DOB: 10-25-1995, of 1703 NE 6 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

Narcotics Raid In NE Cape Coral Met With Applause

(April 10, 2014)- Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Detectives with the help of the Cape Coral Police Department SWAT team served a search warrant at 827 Diplomat Parkway East, yesterday afternoon.

After receiving multiple complaints from residents in the area about suspicious activity at the house, VIN detectives began gathering intelligence. Investigation revealed a "revolving door" of narcotics activity at the residence.

Over the past couple of weeks, VIN Detectives gathered evidence through surveillance and an undercover operation to develop probable cause for the warrant. During the operation, VIN Detectives discovered that the resident, Norman Winston Clarke (AKA "Rasta"), B/M, DOB: 06-03-1954, of 827 Diplomat Parkway E, Cape Coral, was dealing marijuana from this location.

As Cape Coral Police Department VIN Detectives and SWAT Officers converged on the residence yesterday afternoon, neighbors came out to see what was happening. Shortly after, curiosity turned to applause from neighbors who had had enough. "It was a nuisance house that had continual narcotic dealing activity, a revolving door. The neighbors were ecstatic, actually applauding, when we hit it."- [Name redacted], Cape Coral Police Department VIN Sergeant.

Two individuals were arrested and only a small amount of marijuana was recovered. "While far from the largest drug operation we have ever taken down, this one was directly and negatively impacting the quality of life of residents in the area. When neighbors are applauding, you know you are doing something right. We hope that folks will let us know early on when something like this pops up in their neighborhood so we can take care of it quickly, and mitigate the negative effects that drug activity can have on a neighborhood."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: Norman Winston Clarke (AKA "Rasta"), B/M, DOB: 06-03-1954, of 827 Diplomat Parkway E, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: MARIJUANA-SELL (SCHEDULE I)- FELONY, MARIJUANA-POSSESS (NOT MORE THAN 20 GRAMS)- MISDEMEANOR

ARRESTED: Gennine Jacotine, B/F, DOB: 10-25-1995, of 1703 NE 6 Street, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: MARIJUANA-POSSESS (NOT MORE THAN 20 GRAMS)- MISDEMEANOR

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PHOTO: MISSING: David Claude Siwarski of 1423 SE 27th Street Cape Coral, FL. (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 Needs Your Help Locating a Missing Endangered Person

(April 12, 2014)- At around 10:30 PM on Friday, April 11, 2014, Cape Coral Police Department responded to 1423 SE 27th Street on a missing person call.

Family members told police that their relative, 65 year-old David Siwarski, left the residence around 6:00 PM on foot and hasn't been seen since. Family members initially thought nothing of it, as Siwarski is known to frequently take walks for up to two hours. However, as Siwarski had not returned in over four hours, relatives began to worry.

The family is also concerned because Siwarski is on several medications and suffers from aphasia, a brain condition that impacts mental function.

Cape Coral Police patrol, K9 and Aviation have been conducting a search for the past several hours, but have, thus far, been unable to locate Siwarski.

FDLE is being contacted for a Silver Alert to be issued at this time.

Siwarski was last seen wearing a camouflage hat, a light blue shirt, and khaki shorts.

Name: David Claude Siwarski
Address: 1423 SE 27th Street Cape Coral, FL
City, County, & State of birth: Dearborn, Wayne County, MI
DOB: 02/09/49
Sex: M
Race: White
Hair: Gray
Eyes: Blue
Weight: 150lbs
Height: 5`07

If you have any information on the location of this person, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223.

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PHOTO: David Claude Siwarski of 1423 SE 27th Street Cape Coral, FL. was found dead this afternoon by a local boater. (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

Boater Locates Deceased Cape Coral Man Who Went Missing Friday Night

(April 13, 2014)- At around 4:35 PM, Cape Coral Police, Fire and EMS responded to a call of a possible drowning at the 2500 block of SE 28th St., near the Everest Boat Ramp. A boater who was unloading his boat from a day on the water found a person who was unconscious and not breathing, floating in the water by a seawall.

Responding units quickly determined that the person was deceased. Patrol, Detectives, and Forensics units responded to the scene. Investigators are able to confirm that the decedent is David Claude Siwarski of 1423 SE 27th Street Cape Coral, FL. Siwarski is the Cape Coral man who went missing late Friday Night.

The death investigation is ongoing and foul play is not suspected at this time.

"The search efforts have been intense since Friday night and we hoped this story would have ended differently. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Siwarski family, and we would ask our media partners to please respect the family's privacy in this time of grief."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

Original release after the break.

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