(November 22, 2014)-  Just before 6:00 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to a serious injury crash in the 4700 block of Palm Tree Boulevard.

A passerby located a bicyclist laying in the roadway with an apparent head injury.  The bicyclist was trauma-alerted to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigators and Forensics responded to the scene.  Major Crash Investigation is ongoing.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE: November 22, 2014
TIME: 5:54 am
LOCATION: Intersection of Palm Tree Boulevard/SE 47 Terrace
CR#: 14-018638
ASSIGNED MCI: M/Cpl. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1 (V-1): Black Schwinn bicycle.
DRIVER 1 (D-1): Andrew N. Desumma, W/M, 56, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Desumma died at the hospital.

SYNOPSIS: At 5:54 AM, a passerby observed a bicyclist lying on his right side still on the bicycle, in the middle of the intersection at SE 47 Terrace and Palm Tree Boulevard.  The male rider was not conscious and had suffered a head injury (no helmet).  The bicyclist was trauma alerted to a nearby hospital where he was declared deceased at 6:42 AM.

MCI Satterlee and Forensics Specialist Buckner responded.  It is unknown if this traffic crash is alcohol/drug  related.  The next-of-kin HAS notified.  Due to the nature of traffic crash, a major crash investigation is being conducted.

This traffic crash closed down the intersection of SE 47 Terrace/Palm Tree Boulevard for approximately one and a half hours.

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

(November 23, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police Major Crash Investigators and the Medical Examiner have determined that bicyclist who was found laying in the road early yesterday morning died of natural causes and not as a result of a traffic crash.

It was determined that the driver suffered a medical problem while riding his bicycle and fell, causing a minor superficial head injury.  There is no evidence of any other event.

An initial traffic crash report was completed, but the death will be updated as "MEDICAL" and not a traffic fatality.  The next of kin has been updated on the results of the autopsy.

Original release link below:

Cape Coral Police Investigating Early-Morning Fatality Crash Involving Bicyclist

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

(November 24, 2014)- The Cape Coral Police Department is proud to announce that it has received its seventh accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

The CALEA Commission's review of the assessor's report and presentation of the certificate of accreditation occurred in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday, November 22, 2014.  Chief Bart Connelly, Commander Kristie Van Houten, and Accreditation Manager Paula Fox were in attendance.

Mr. Marcus Brown, the Colonel-Superintendent of the Maryland State Police and CALEA Commissioner who reviewed the Cape Coral Police Department had high praise of the Department and recognized its professionalism, commitment to the community, and volunteer program.

“I could not be more proud of the fine men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department and our accreditation team who have, once again, demonstrated their commitment to excellence.  The Cape Coral Police Department maintains a commitment to excellence and our community which is reflected in the fantastic work our men and women do every day.  That exceptional work has, once again, been recognized by the Commission who bestowed on the Cape Coral Police Department our seventh accreditation since 1989 and our fourth Accreditation with Excellence.”- Bart Connelly, Chief of Police.

In order to receive accreditation, a law enforcement agency must demonstrate compliance with over 485 standards.  To maintain that accreditation, and agency is reviewed by CALEA every three years.  Most recently, on July 26, 2014 the Cape Coral Police Department Communications received a separate accreditation from CALEA which encompasses 212 communications-specific standards with which the Communications Section must comply.

The Cape Coral Police Department also received the CALEA Excellence Award.  To receive "Accreditation with Excellence" an agency must meet even higher standards put forth by CALEA including:

• Must have a minimum of two previous consecutive CALEA Accreditation awards. 
• Must not have conditions or noncompliance issues resulting from the current or last assessment.
• Current assessment must have been conducted under the CALEA® Gold Standard Assessment model.
• At the time of the current assessment, the agency must be in compliance with 90 percent of all applicable other-than-mandatory standards.    
• Current Assessment Report must have limited file maintenance and not more than two applied discretion issues.
• Must not be operating under any active Federal Consent Decree or Memorandum of Understanding, or state-level complementary action.   
• Must not currently be affected by issues that detract from the overall tenets or goals of CALEA Accreditation.
• Must receive a unanimous recommendation of support from the assigned CALEA Review Committee.

The Cape Coral Police Department has been nationally accredited by CALEA since 1989.  This is the seventh accreditation for the Department and the fourth time the Department has received the Excellence Award.

PHOTO:  CALEA Seal.  (Photo Courtesy of CALEA)

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

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(November 24, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run crash that happened overnight which sent a pedestrian to the hospital with life threatening injuries.

Shortly after 1:00 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to a person hit in the 2200 block of Diplomat Parkway East.

Investigation revealed that the victim was struck by a car which left the scene, only to return over an hour later.  The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigators and Forensics personnel responded to the scene.  Investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are pending.

Initial synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE: November 24, 2014
TIME: 1:13 AM
LOCATION: 2200 Diplomat Parkway East
CR#: 14-018733
ASSIGNED MCI: M/Cpl. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1 (V-1): Red 2006 Jeep SUV.
DRIVER 1 (D-1): Danielle Rene Tuohey, W/F, 27, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Tuohey suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.

PEDESTRIAN (P-1): Ronald James Sears, W/M, 42, of Fort Myers, Florida.
PEDESTRIAN INJURIES: Sears suffered serious injuries in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS:  A Pedestrian (P-1) was walking East on Diplomat Parkway in the 2200 block.  A red Jeep SUV (V-1) was driving West on Diplomat Parkway in the outside lane.  The right front of V-1 struck P-1 head on causing P-1 to suffer life threatening injuries.  V-1 fled the scene and did not stop.  P-1 was trauma alerted to a local hospital for medical attention.

MCI Satterlee and Forensics Specialist Potts responded.  Approximately 1 hour after the traffic crash, V-1 and the driver returned.  Post-Miranda statement received from driver.  V-1 was seized for further evidence processing. 

P-1 is listed in critical but stable condition in ICU at a local hospital.  This traffic crash IS NOT alcohol/drug related.  Due to the nature of traffic crash, criminal charges are pending completion of the full investigation.

This traffic crash closed down both West lanes of Diplomat Parkway approximately two hours.

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

(November 24, 2014)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is proud to announce its partnership with the 3H Exchange. The 3H Exchange: High Schools Helping the Homeless, is a program committed to giving goods to homeless students and their families in need throughout the Lee County School District.

Starting this Friday, November 28, and running through December 14, The Cape Coral Police Department will have donation bins at the lobby of the Cape Coral Police Department Headquarters and the Chester Street Resource Center where people can drop off donations for the 3H Exchange.

The 3H Exchange is asking for donations of the following:

• Canned food
• Non-perishable foods
• Unwrapped children's toys 

Click the video below to hear from the co-founders of this program.  To learn more about the 3H Exchange, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/the3hexchange or follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/the3hexchange.

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

(November 26, 2014)-  Yesterday, the Cape Coral Police Department conducted a traffic saturation as part of our Click It Or Ticket campaign from noon to 8:00 PM.  Here are the results:

ARRESTS:

Kennier DeJesus Velazquez (W/M 01-30-98)
229 SE 14th Ter
No Motorcycle Endorsement: 14-018821
Ofc. McClurg: 2412 Santa Barbara Blvd S.
Velazquez was stopped for the tag to his motorcycle being intentionally bent to the point that it was unable to be read.  After the traffic stop a routine check revealed that he did not have a motorcycle endorsement.  He was then arrested.

Jean Carloe Pitre Valle (W/M 05-02-97)
1115 NE Pine Island Ln   
No Motorcycle Endorsement: 14-018823
Ofc. Schilke: 14-015118
While Kennier Velazquez was stopped, Pitre Valle was stopped with him.  A routine check of Pitre Valle’s DL revealed that he too, did not have a motorcycle endorsement and should not have been driving a motorcycle.

Adam Scott McNear
117 SE 44th Ter
DWLSR Knowingly
Ofc. Schilke: 14-018807
McNear was stopped for not wearing his seatbelt.  A routine check of his driver’s license revealed that he had 4 suspensions.

Also, the Following Citations/Warnings were issued:

Criminal:  4
Nonmoving:  5
Seatbelt:  7             
Speed:  7       
Warnings:  7

PHOTO:  Click It or Ticket Florida logo.  (Photo Courtesy of FDOT)

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

(November 26, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police are asking for the public's assistance in a vessel theft.

The boat pictured below is a 2009 Grady White 330 Express (FL# 5262NV) that was stolen from a boat lift at 449 Bayshore Dr, Cape Coral.  The side lettering has been re-done in a larger type and spelled “SOPHIA MARIE” Cape Coral, FL on the transom.  The boat is outfitted with twin 2009 Yamaha 350 4-stroke engines.

The theft occurred between Sunday 11/16/14 at 6:00 PM and Monday 11/17/14 9:00 AM.

The owner has all keys and the cabin was closed and locked.

If you have any information on the identity of the suspect or the location of the boat pictured below, 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:  The boat pictured is a Grady White 330 Express (FL# 5262NV) that was stolen from a boat lift at 449 Bayshore Dr, Cape Coral.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

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

(November 27, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police arrested 3 suspects on charges of Burglary, Grand Theft, and Grand Theft of  Firearm after a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle turned out to be much more.

On November 24, 2014 shortly after 11:00 AM, Cape Coral Police Department responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the area of the 3900 block of East Gator Circle.  The caller, an off-duty Cape Coral Police officer, saw a vehicle matching a suspect vehicle from a burglary report he had taken in NE Cape Coral.  He provided a detailed description, tag number, and direction of travel.

Responding officers located the vehicle in the area of De Navarra Parkway and Gator Circle.  The vehicle had numerous equipment violations and the tag (same as provided by the of-duty officer) did not come back to the vehicle.  Officers conducted a traffic stop on the car, driven by a female (Russell) with two male passengers (Reynolds and Dunleavy).

Investigation revealed that the license plate displayed was canceled and the vehicle did not have valid registration or proof of insurance.  Due to the vehicle's unregistered status, no proof of insurance, and not being able to verify the ownership of the vehicle, Officers impounded the car.  While conducting an inventory of the vehicle prior to tow, Officers located an unholstered revolver along with 5 rounds of .32 Caliber Long rounds tucked underneath the back seat, within arm's reach of the back seat passenger, Dunleavy.  There was also a clear plastic bag of jewelry located in the back seat of the vehicle, next to where Dunleavy was seated.

Officers learned that Russell drove Reynolds and Dunleavy to her parent's home in the area to commit a burglary.  When they arrived at theme, Reynolds remained in the car while Russell and Dunleavy forced entry into the home by prying up the glass sliding doors at the rear of the home.  Once inside the home, they took a firearm, ammunition, and miscellaneous jewelry.  They wanted to steal items they could sell to support their drug habit.  The victims positively identified items stolen from their home and indicated they wished to press charges.

During the vehicle inventory the following items were located and returned to Russell which were taken in the Burglary:

• Brown leather holster.
• 5 rounds of .32 Caliber long ammunition.
• Miscellaneous jewelry worth $200.
• $31 wrapped coin and approximately $15 in loose change. 

Officers seized the following items as evidence:

• Black Smith and Wesson .32 revolver with brown handle.  
• Green handle tool used by Dunleavy to pry the slider.
• Red PVC Cutters.
•  Phillips Screwdriver located in the center console.  
• One metal tire repair tool, black handle.  
• 2 Suncoast Schools Checks Stolen from 1204 NE 4th PL.  (CCPD CR# 14-018745 in a Residential Burglary.)
• Punched silver deadbolt lock located in the center console of the vehicle.

Cape Coral Police DepartmentInvestigative Services Bureau Detectives and Forensics personnel responded to the scene to assist.  All three suspects were placed under arrest at the scene and later transported to Lee County Jail.  Additional charges are pending.

ARRESTED:  Robert James Reynolds, W/M, DOB: 04-03-1981, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral , FL.
CHARGES:  Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling

ARRESTED:  Robert James Reynolds, W/M, DOB: 04-03-1981, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral , FL.
CHARGES:  Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling.

ARRESTED:  Kacey Alan Dunleavy, W/M, DOB: 02-22-1989, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral , FL.
CHARGES:  Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Grand Theft of a Firearm.

ARRESTED:  Kacey Alan Dunleavy, W/M, DOB: 02-22-1989, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral , FL.
CHARGES:  Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Grand Theft of a Firearm.

ARRESTED:  Lauren Anne Russell, W/F, DOB: 09-22-1987, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Grand Theft of a Firearm.

ARRESTED:  Lauren Anne Russell, W/F, DOB: 09-22-1987, of 857 NE 7th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Grand Theft of a Firearm.

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

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(November 28, 2014)- On November 27, 2014 at around 6:00 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to 222 SE 44th Terrace on an unknown problem call.  The homeowner called Cape Coral Police when he found an unknown vehicle in his driveway, running, with a subject passed out in the driver's seat.

Responding officers made contact with the driver (Vega) and were able to awaken him.  When officer had him step out of the car, they could smell an overwhelming odor of raw cannabis coming from the vehicle.  Officers then began their narcotics investigation.

The investigation revealed that Vega was traveling to a "half-way meeting spot" to meet with another individual.  Apparently, this was the wrong house.  Inside the vehicle, Officers located marijuana and MDMA packaged for sale.  Officers located over 30 capsules of MDMA for a total of 7.8 grams (AKA "Molly") and 35.8 grams of marijuana, along with empty baggies for packaging drugs.

Vega was place under arrest and transported to the Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED:  Joshua Hector Vega, W/M, DOB: 09-03-1986, of 6061 Perthsire Ln Fort Myers FL 33908.
CHARGES:  Possession of Marijuana w/ Intent, Possession of MDMA (Mollys) w/ intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

ARRESTED:  Joshua Hector Vega, W/M, DOB: 09-03-1986, of 6061 Perthsire Ln Fort Myers FL 33908.
CHARGES:  Possession of Marijuana w/Intent, Possession of MDMA (Mollys) w/Intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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

(December 2, 2014)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is asking for your help locating a missing teen.

Isabella Marie Gallo W/F 14 years old, 5’04”, 120 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a black tee shirt, black scrub-type pants, tennis shoes.  Gallo has braces with green bands on top and red on bottom.

Gallo went missing from 1059 NE Pine Island Rd. around noon today.   She was at work with her parent and purposely left the business on foot.  Detectives have special concern for the child due to location of disappearance (busy road and numerous businesses) and past behavioral issues with the child.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Isabella Marie Gallo, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. 

MISSING:  Isabella Marie Gallo W/F 14 years old, 5’04”, 120 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a black tee shirt, black scrub-type pants, tennis shoes.  Gallo has braces with green bands on top and red on bottom.

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

(December 2, 2014)-  Isabella Marie Gallo, the Cape Coral teen who went missing this afternoon from a business on NE Pine Island Rd., has been located safe and sound.  She is being removed from FCIC/NCIC at this time.  Thank you to all of our media partners and citizens who assisted in getting the word out on this case.

Link to original news release below:

http://www.capecops.com/newsroom/2014/12/2/be-on-the-lookout-bolo-missing-teen

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

(December 4, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying credit card fraud suspects.

The two suspects in the photos, taken from in-store surveillance video, used a stolen credit card to make purchases at the Circle K located at 1523 NE Pine Island Rd. on November 17, 2014.  The blue truck appears to belong to one of the suspects.

Please take a look at the photos below.  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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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341

(December 8, 2014)- A single-vehicle crash at around 1:00 AM has left one person dead.  20year-old David Shultz III was driving southbound on Del Prado Boulevard when he lost control of his truck.  The truck left the roadway, striking a concrete pillar in a gas station parking lot and overturned.  Schultz was taken to a nearby hospital for his injuries where he was later pronounced dead.  The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The preliminary Synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE: December 08, 2014
TIME: 01:01 AM
LOCATION: 300 block Del Prado Blvd. South
CR#: 14-019551

VEHICLE 1 (V-1): A four-door Silver Toyota Tacoma Truck.
DRIVER 1 (D-1): David Valentine Schultz III, W/M, DOB 09/27/1994, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Schultz died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS:  V-1 was traveling Southbound in the center lane of Del Prado Blvd S at the 300 block. As V-1 was traveling, V-1 moved from the center lane to the inside lane and struck the curb of the median. V-1 then crossed back into the center lane at which time,    V-1’s rear end began to spin clockwise and the driver lost control of V-1. V-1 continued to travel South on Del Prado Blvd, crossing all of the South lanes as it passed through the intersection of SE 4th St. V-1 then struck the curb on the Southwest corner of Del Prado Blvd and SE 4th St and entered into the parking lot of the Hess gas station located at 402 Del Prado Blvd. As V-1 entered into the parking lot, the frontend struck a concrete post causing V-1 spin clockwise. V-1’s front left side then struck another concrete post causing V-1 spin completely around so the frontend was facing East. V-1 then traveled South through the parking lot and rolled over to its right side. V-1 continued South until its roof struck a tree, causing V-1 to come to its final rest.

Schultz was extracted from V-1 by CCFD and transported by LCEMS to the a local hospital where he later died as a resulted of the injuries he suffered in the crash. 

The next of kin for David V. Schultz III have been notified. It is unknown at this time if the traffic crash is or is not alcohol/drug related.  Due to the severity of the traffic crash, MCI Ofc. N. Green, Forensics Specialist Lansky and V.A. Lucas responded to the scene.

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

For the next few hours, neighbors and passers-by will notice a large amount of Police activity in the 3100 block of SW 15th Pl., as Cape Coral Police Detectives work a death investigation.

At around 2:20 PM, Cape Coral Police Department received a call in reference to a possible dead body in a vacant lot at 3111 SW 15th Pl.

Cape Coral Police Department and Cape Coral Fire Department units responded and confirmed that one male subject was deceased at this location.

Patrol, Detectives, and Forensics personnel responded to the scene.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.  While it is still very early in the investigation, there is no immediate indication of foul play.

"The early information we have is that there is no indication of foul play and there is no apparent danger to the community."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

(December 10, 2014)-  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not take in some softball for a good cause?

This Sunday, December 14, members of the Cape Coral Police Department along with police and fire departments from around SWFL will be participating in a Charity Softball Tournament to benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital.

The Tournament will be held at the Cape Coral NW Softball Complex located at 1030 NW 16th Pl, Cape Coral, FL.  The Tournament runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Admission is free.

This year's event is being sponsored by Get Out Fast Bail Bonds, Cape Coral Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33, and the Cape Coral Police Benevolent Association.

"Our goal to raise over $2000 for the Golisano Children's Hospital.  We invite the community to come out for a fun day and support this great cause."- Det. Nicholas Jones, Cape Coral Police Department Investigative Services Bureau.

WHO:  Police, Fire and EMS personnel from al over SWFL.
WHAT:  Charity Softball Tournament
WHEN:  Sunday, December 14, 2014
WHERE:  Cape Coral NW Softball Complex located at 1030 NW 16th Pl, Cape Coral, FL.
WHY:  To benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital.
HOW MUCH:  FREE!

PHOTO:  A photo of the Cape Coral Police Department team following the 2013 Charity Softball Tournament.  (Photo Courtesy of Detective Nicholas Jones, Cape Coral Police Department)

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

(December 10, 2014)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is once again participating in the annual Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.  Starting today, and running through January 1st, Cape Coral Police Officers will be focusing enforcement efforts on impaired driving.  You can expect to see a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement during this time.

With all of the celebrations that will be going on on and around the Holidays, we at the Cape Coral Police Department encourage people to plan ahead:

• Have a designated driver.
• Don't allow friends who've been drinking to drive.
• Take a taxi, or use one of the many low-cost or "free ride" programs out there.

"A DUI arrest can be incredibly costly- thousands of dollars in fines and fees, loss of driving privileges, and hours of lost time due to jail, court, probation, and community service.  Not to mention, the potential to injure or kill yourself or someone else and the life-altering consequences that would have.  It's just not worth it."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

"The Cape Coral Police Department will be joining forces with law enforcement agencies throughout the country to strictly enforce traffic infractions in the hopes to remove impaired drivers from the roadway and to prevent impaired drivers from seriously injuring themselves or anyone else."- Sergeant Patrick O'Grady, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit

PHOTO:  Drive Sober or get Pulled Over Logo.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

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

(December 10, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police are currently working a possible shooting in the area of NE 13 Avenue and NE 16 Ter.

The initial call came in around 4:24 Pm as a "shots heard" complaint.  Responding officers have located spent shell casings, but currently are ascertaining if there is a victim.

Cape Coral Police Department Patrol, LCSO Aviation, Cape Coral Police Detectives, and Forensics  are on scene in the area.

Diplomat Elementary and Middle Schools as well as local daycares were placed on lockdown as a precaution.  However, the schools and daycares have been cleared to reopen at this time.

Persons traveling in the area will see substantial police activity near NE 13 Avenue and NE 16 Ter. for the next 2-3 hours.

This call is currently unfolding and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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

(December 11, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police have made arrests in a shooting call that put two schools on lockdown Wednesday afternoon.

On Wednesday 12/10/14 at approximately 4:24pm, CCPD received numerous 9-1-1 calls about 20+ gunshots heard in the area of 1512 NE 16th Terrace.  As officers were responding to the area, another call was received from a female who identified herself as Nicole Mercado; she said she was shot in the face.

Officers met with Nicole Mercado and Lacroy Broomfield at a residence in North Fort Myers.  It was learned that Lacroy and Nicole drove to 1512 NE 16th Terrace, Cape Coral, Lee County, FL where Lacroy was going to pick up his EBT card from his cousin.  While at 1512 NE 16th Terrace, Lacroy's ex-girlfriend saw Nicole was there and became enraged.  A verbal disturbance ensued inside the residence and moved outside.  While outside, additional members of the jilted ex-girlfriend's family began surrounding Nicole and Lacroy, verbally threatening to do bodily harm to them.  Nicole and Lacroy entered Nicole's car for their safety and the mob surrounded the vehicle and began hitting it and coming at them.  Lacroy was driving and Nicole was in the passenger's seat and they fled the neighborhood. 

Almost immediately, a black Pontiac Grand Prix began following and chasing them.  There was a black male driver and a black male passenger hanging out the window, pointing a gun at Nicole and Lacroy.  The passenger began shooting at Nicole's vehicle, striking it multiple times, and a bullet fragment even struck Nicole in the face.  Lacroy said the driver was James "JJ" Clemons and the passenger was Jessie Howard.  Officers were informed that Jessie Howard resides at 1320 NE 18th Terrace, Cape Coral, Lee County, FL.  Nicole's injury required immediate medical attention and she was transported to Lee Memorial Trauma Center.

As the above information was relayed, other CCPD officers went to 1320 NE 18th Terrace, Cape Coral, Lee County, FL.  Contact was made with the residents inside, and they each exited.  Among those detained were Jessie Howard and JJ Clemons.  A show-up was done with Lacroy being brought to 1320 NE 18th Terrace, where he positively identified James "JJ" Clemons (B/M 9/22/71) as the suspect driver of the Grand Prix and Jessie Howard (B/M 9/2/84) as the shooter.  Officers took both males into custody.

An unrelated witness to the shooting described the shooter as a B/M with long dreadlocks , wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.  Jessie Howard was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and had long dreadlocks when taken into custody. 

Based on the above mentioned probable cause Jessie Howard is being charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle. 

Based on the victim and numerous witness statements stating that the black Pontiac was chasing and shooting at the victim's vehicle along with the fact that James never stopped to render aid or call Police he is being charged as a principal to the aggravated battery, aggravated assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle.

Both men were later transported to Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED:  James Clemons (B/M 09-22-71), of 1320 NE 18th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  Aggravated Battery (Principal), Aggravated Assault, Shooting from/into a vehicle or dwelling.

ARRESTED:  Jessie Howard (B/M 09-02-1984), of 1320 NE 18th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES:  Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Shooting from/into a vehicle or dwelling.

Link to the original news release is below:

Cape Coral Police Department Working A Possible Shooting In 1600 Block NE 13 Ave.

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

(December 11, 2014)- Beginning Friday, December 12th and running through Sunday, December 14, 2014, The Cape Coral Police Department will be at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1619 Del Prado Blvd from 12:00 noon-8:00 PM each day for our annual “Fill the Boat” toy drive.

This is the 8th straight year that the Cape Coral Police Department has run the event. Each year, almost 2,000 toys are collected.

A Cape Coral Police Department Marine Unit boat, along with other vehicles from various Bureaus of the Department will be on display and will serve as the drop-off/collection point.

Purchase a new, unwrapped toy and simply put it in the boat. At the end of the toy drive on Sunday, the toys will be taken to the Cape Coral Police Department where they are then distributed to children in need throughout Cape Coral in time for the holidays.

“We’re humbled by the tremendous outpouring of generosity we see in this community each year.  Since its inception, "Fill the Boat" has collected and distributed over 13,200 toys!  Cape Coral is both a tremendously generous city as well as a city with many children in need. Please come out and support this fantastic event.”-Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

PHOTO:  Posing in front of the boat is a young donor, ready to drop off some toys for a good cause.  (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)

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

(December 14, 2014)-  Cape Coral Police need your help locating a missing endangered man.

On 12/13/2014 at around 11:45 PM  Cape Coral Police responded to 1021 NW 14th St, Cape Coral, Florida in reference to suicide threats.

When Officers arrived, the reporting party, Madison Stachewicz advised that her husband, Ryan Newton, 27, threatened to kill himself on the phone with her approximately 10 minutes prior to her call to CCPD. Stachewicz and Newton got into a fight over the phone and Newton left the residence prior to Stachewicz returning home.  He then called Stachewicz to make the suicide threat.

Officers on scene were advised that Newton had in his possession two handguns, a "silver automatic pistol" and a "black automatic pistol." Both pistols were missing from the residence.  Initially, it was reported that Newton left on foot in an unknown direction of travel and that he was intoxicated.

Attempts to contact Newton via his cell phone were unsuccessful. Patrol, K-9, and aviation units responded in an attempt to locate Newton. After approximately 45 minutes, Stachewicz realized that her other vehicle, a white 2000 Chevy Cavalier (Florida tag# 516NMJ), was missing from the driveway.  Newton is now believed to be driving it.

BOLOs for Newton and the 2000 Chevy Cavalier were issued via CCPD Communications.

Description:

Ryan Christopher Newton
1021 NW 14th St
Cape Coral, FL 33993
Age: 27
White/Male
6-01 / 200lbs
Blonde hair/blue eyes
Last seen on 12/13/14 at 11:30 PM wearing blue and black plaid long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, dark shoes.

Ryan Newton was entered into NCIC/FCIC.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Ryan Christopher Newton, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223.

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