(August 16, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police made four arrests Saturday night during its sixth impaired driving enforcement operation since being awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The grant was awarded to the Cape Coral Police Department to reduce traffic crashes, serious bodily injuries, and fatality crashes that are attributable to impaired driving.  The grant provides $45,000 to offset the cost these High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations.

From 2012—2014 the City saw a 14% increase in traffic crashes. More alarming, is the number of alcohol related deaths and serious bodily injuries that occur each year. On average from 2012 to 2014, in 40% of the traffic homicide investigations (THI) and serious bodily injuries (SBI), alcohol was a factor. The total number of THIs and SBIs doubled from 2012 to 2014.

In 2014 Cape Coral saw the highest number of DUI arrests (203) occur between the hours of 12:00 am and 4:00 am. Of the 445 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests that occurred throughout all three districts in Cape Coral, (North, Central, and South), 210 or 47% occurred in the South District.

Operations will continue through September 30, 2015.

Link to original news release: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

The results of the operation are below:

ARRESTED: Melissa Ann Best (W/F 06-04-69) of 3810 SE 12th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013062
LOCATION: 1509 SE 12th Ave

ARRESTED: Melissa Ann Best (W/F 06-04-69) of 3810 SE 12th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013062
LOCATION: 1509 SE 12th Ave.

ARRESTED: Ryan John Harnett (W/M 04-08-77) of 3006 SW 1st Pl., Cape Coral, FL
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013064
LOCATION: 4300 Block of Coronado Pkwy

ARRESTED: Ryan John Harnett (W/M 04-08-77) of 3006 SW 1st Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013064
LOCATION: 4300 Block of Coronado Pkwy.

ARRESTED: Tiffany Burbridge (W/F 09-26-80) of 3006 SW 1st Pl., Cape Coral, FL
CHARGES: Obstruction of an Officer
CR#: 15-013064
LOCATION: 4300 Block of Coronado Pkwy

ARRESTED: Tiffany Burbridge (W/F 09-26-80) of 3006 SW 1st Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Obstruction of an Officer
CR#: 15-013064
LOCATION: 4300 Block of Coronado Pkwy.
 

ARRESTED: Kendall Elizabeth Smith (W/F 08-15-1993) of 1047 NW 36th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013067
LOCATION: 1700 block of Cape Coral Pkwy. E.

ARRESTED: Kendall Elizabeth Smith (W/F 08-15-1993) of 1047 NW 36th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013067
LOCATION: 1700 block of Cape Coral Pkwy. E.

Total Traffic Stops: 27
Warnings: 3
Speed Citations: 4
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 8
Non-moving Citations: 8
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 3
Citations Total: 23
DUI Arrests: 3
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 1
Total Arrests: 4

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

(August 18, 2015)-  Returning to the scene of the crime didn't pay off for a burglar who broke into a SW Cape Coral McDonald's a little over a week ago.

Cape Coral Police issued a news release last week, asking for the public's help identifying a man who broke into the McDonald's located at 1604 Cape Coral Parkway W.  On August 13th, Detectives got the help they were looking for from restaurant employees, when a man matching the description of the burglar showed up in the drive-through.  Employees spoke with the man, who in conversation brought up the recent burglary.  When he left the restaurant, they were able to get a good license plate number and vehicle description.  This led Officers and Detectives to develop John A. Gampa as a suspect.

Corporal Nick Slover and Detective Mike McIlhargey attempted to contact John A. Gampa at 4119 SW 15 Place, yesterday afternoon around 3:00 PM.  When officers attempted contact at the residence, Gampa fled out of the rear of the house.  Corporal Slover gave chase.  In his own words:

In the 4000-block, in a vacant field, I saw him turn left and go behind some bushes. I rounded the corner of the bushes and saw Mr. Gampa on the telephone. I raised my hand pointing at him and gave him to a lawful order to place his hand on his head. At which time, Mr. Gampa, looked straight at me, in uniform, swung his hands down at my raised hand (missing) and said, "I'm running," actively resisting my efforts to detain him.

During the course of the second foot chase, I took out my department issued Taser and struck Mr. Gampa in the back, effectively disabling his movements.

Gampa was taken into custody on charges of Burglary and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.  He was transported to the Lee County Jail.  Gampa is on active probation for Robbery.

"Citizens, Patrol Officers, and Detectives working together enabled us to close this case."  - Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: John A Gampa (W/M 11-02-71) of 4119 SW 15th Place, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Burglary, Resisting an Officer Without Violence

ARRESTED: John A Gampa (W/M 11-02-71) of 4119 SW 15th Place, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Burglary,  Resisting an Officer Without Violence 

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

(August 21, 2015)-  Kids in Cape Coral may actually look forward to their next run-in with the police, thanks to 7-Eleven® stores’ popular Operation Chill program that rewards positive behavior with a very cool treat.

Through "Operation Chill®, Cape Coral Police officers will "ticket" kids caught in the act of doing good with Slurpee® beverage coupons. Examples of such "ticket able offenses” might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community. Each coupon can be redeemed for a free small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven stores.

Since the program's inception in 1995, more than 14 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in the areas where 7-Eleven operates stores. During 2015, approximately 1.25 million coupons will be issued nationally; over 5,000 of those will be distributed in the City of Cape Coral during the summer months and back-to-school season.

Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months, when there is often an increase in loitering, shoplifting, and graffiti, and to support law enforcement agencies' community relations projects. Police use the Operation Chill program to reward youth for their good deeds as well as enhance their relations with the youth in their city.

7-Eleven’s proprietary Slurpee is a semi-frozen carbonated beverage and is a favorite with both young and old. More than a half-million Slurpees are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country.

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

(August 21, 2015)- The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct its seventh High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, tomorrow night.

The goal of the Impaired Driving project is to conduct special HVE operations focused on impaired driving in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities attributable to impaired driving.

This operation will be a traffic saturation patrol that will focus on impaired drivers citywide.

The operation will be tomorrow night, Saturday, August 22, 2015, with the saturation patrol running from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  

Original news release about the FDOT Grant: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

PHOTO:  Drive Sober or Get Puled 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

(August 23, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police made five arrests Saturday night during its seventh impaired driving enforcement operation since being awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The grant was awarded to the Cape Coral Police Department to reduce traffic crashes, serious bodily injuries, and fatality crashes that are attributable to impaired driving.  The grant provides $45,000 to offset the cost these High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations.

From 2012—2014 the City saw a 14% increase in traffic crashes. More alarming, is the number of alcohol related deaths and serious bodily injuries that occur each year. On average from 2012 to 2014, in 40% of the traffic homicide investigations (THI) and serious bodily injuries (SBI), alcohol was a factor. The total number of THIs and SBIs doubled from 2012 to 2014.

In 2014 Cape Coral saw the highest number of DUI arrests (203) occur between the hours of 12:00 am and 4:00 am. Of the 445 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests that occurred throughout all three districts in Cape Coral, (North, Central, and South), 210 or 47% occurred in the South District.  The South District of Cape Coral is everything south of Veterans Memorial Parkway and is comparable in both population and area to Sarasota, Florida.

Operations will continue through September 30, 2015.

Link to original news release: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

The results of the operation are below:

ARRESTED: Carlos Arellano-Ortiz (W/M 4-11-76) of 2722 Blue Cypress Lake Ct., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI, No DL
CR#: 15-013453

ARRESTED: Carlos Arellano-Ortiz (W/M 4-11-76) of 2722 Blue Cypress Lake Ct., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI, No DL
CR#: 15-013453

ARRESTED: Edward Joseph Sands (W/M 7-29-70) of 315 Wood Rd., Wyalusing, PA.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013454

ARRESTED: Edward Joseph Sands (W/M 7-29-70) of 315 Wood Rd., Wyalusing, PA.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013454

ARRESTED: Brittany Marie Wheeler (B/F 7-06-91) 9846 Bernwood Place Dr., Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013455

ARRESTED: Brittany Marie Wheeler (B/F 7-06-91) 9846 Bernwood Place Dr., Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013455

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
ARRESTED: Barbara Mary Ackroyd (W/F 05-29-56) of 2511 SW 23rd Place, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-013447

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
ARRESTED: Amanda Rachelle Heinrich (W/F 04-20-86) of 414 NE 15th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Reckless Driving/DWLSR
CR#: 15-013451

Total Traffic Stops: 26
Warnings: 10
Speed Citations: 2
Seatbelt Citations: 1
Moving Citations: 2
Non-moving Citations: 4
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 7
Citations Total: 16

DUI Arrests: 4
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 1
Total Arrests: 5

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

(August 28, 2015)-  Mid-year crime statistics for Cape Coral show a steady decrease in crime. 

According to the statistics, certified by the Florida Department of Law enforcement, Part I crimes in Cape Coral were down overall by 4.6 percent.  Violent crimes were down 1.7 percent and property crimes down 4.8 percent. 

The statistics released are used to calculate the Index Crime Rate by tracking Part I crimes. Part I crimes include: Murder, Sex Offenses, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Larceny, and Motor Vehicle Thefts.

“We are proud of the hard working men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department and of the assistance and cooperation of our citizens.  We continue to enjoy historically low crime in Cape Coral and our city continues to be one of the safest places in Florida to raise a family, start a business, or to take a vacation. That said, there is still work to be done and our personnel are committed to working to keep 2015 one of the safest years on record.”- Bart Connelly, Chief of Police.

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

(September 2, 2015)- A Cape Coral man is behind bars after months of investigation resulted in the Cape Coral Police Department SWAT Team serving a search warrant in a SW Cape Coral neighborhood yesterday afternoon.

Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Detectives with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and SWAT Team executed a search warrant just after 4:20 PM yesterday afternoon at 4511 Skyline Blvd., Apt. #1, Cape Coral, FL. 

Joshua S. Schildgen, 27, the resident at that address, was taken into custody on multiple charges- Sale of heroin, possession of heroin, possession of weapon/ammo by a convicted felon, and possession of drug equipment.  The warrant yielded a total of 8.8 grams of heroin.

Detectives had been actively working this case for several months.

ARRESTED: Joshua Scott Schildgen, W/M, DOB:10-27-1987, of 4511 Skyline Blvd. #1, Cape Coral, FL.  

CHARGES: Sale of heroin, possession of heroin, possession of weapon/ammo by a convicted felon, and possession of drug equipment.

ARRESTED: Joshua Scott Schildgen, White Male, DOB:10-27-1987, of 4511 Skyline Blvd. #1, Cape Coral, FL.  

CHARGES: Sale of heroin, possession of heroin, possession of weapon/ammo by a convicted felon, and possession of drug equipment.

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

(September 3, 2015)- The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct its eighth High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, tomorrow night.

The goal of the Impaired Driving project is to conduct special HVE operations focused on impaired driving in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities attributable to impaired driving.

The operation will be a traffic saturation patrol that will focus on impaired drivers citywide tomorrow night, Friday, September 4, 2015, running from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  

Original news release about the FDOT Grant: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

PHOTO:  Drive Sober of Get Puled Over 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

(September 3, 2015)  Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotic Unit (VIN) Detectives places another Cape Coral drug dealer behind bars.

After a two month long, extensive investigation by the Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics (VIN) Unit, the Cape Coral Police Department SWAT Team, Street Crimes Unit (SCU), and VIN Unit served a search warrant yesterday at a residence located at 424 SW 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.

Rondre Thomas, 20, resident of 424 SW 23rd Terrace was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell, Trafficking Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The warrant yielded the following:

• 14.7 grams of Cocaine
• 4.2 grams of Heroin
• Digital scale
• $2,200 in US Currency
• Various cloned credit cards

“This is great example of communication and teamwork amongst well trained experienced Law Enforcement Officers within the Cape Coral Police Department.  Having these experienced Officers and Detectives is a vital asset to the community, citizens, and businesses they protect." -Det. Nicholas Malone, Cape Coral Police Department Assistant Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: Rondre Thomas, B/M, DOB: 02-28-1995, of 424 SW 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Trafficking Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

ARRESTED: Rondre Thomas, B/M, DOB: 02-28-1995, of 424 SW 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Trafficking Heroin and 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

(September 5, 2015)- The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct another  High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, tonight.

The goal of the Impaired Driving project is to conduct special HVE operations focused on impaired driving in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities attributable to impaired driving.

The operation will be a traffic saturation patrol that will focus on impaired drivers citywide tonight, Saturday, September 5, 2015, running from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  

Original news release about the FDOT Grant: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

PHOTO:  Drive Sober or Get Puled 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

(September 7, 2015)-  The Cape Coral Police Department conducted its eighth and ninth High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations Friday and Saturday nights, since being awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The results of the operations are below:

Friday, September 4, 2015

Friday night, the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a 4-officer traffic saturation patrol.

ARRESTED: Brian Joseph Babcock (W/M 09-20-92), of 847 Erie St., Lancaster, NY.
CHARGES: DWLSR
CR#: 15-014176

ARRESTED: Brian Joseph Babcock (W/M 09-20-92), of 847 Erie St., Lancaster, NY.
CHARGES: DWLSR
CR#: 15-014176

ARRESTED: Robert Joseph Bender (W/M 09-05-88), of 24480 Venison Lane, Punta Gorda, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014179

ARRESTED: Robert Joseph Bender (W/M 09-05-88), of 24480 Venison Lane, Punta Gorda, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014179

ARRESTED: Robert Alan Dawson (W/M 05-10-69), of 3830 Central Ave #208 Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014183

ARRESTED: Robert Alan Dawson (W/M 05-10-69), of 3830 Central Ave #208 Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014183

ARRESTED: Randall Normal Cales (W/M 11-15-78), of 407 SE 22nd St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI, Possession of Cannabis
CR#: 15-014187

ARRESTED: Randall Normal Cales (W/M 11-15-78), of 407 SE 22nd St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI, Possession of Cannabis
CR#: 15-014187

ARRESTED: Christian Alvarado (W/M 10-01-88), of 18050 Old Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014191

ARRESTED: Christian Alvarado (W/M 10-01-88), of 18050 Old Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014191

Total Traffic Stops: 26
Warnings: 10
Speed Citations: 11
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 3
Non-moving Citations: 2
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 5
Citations Total: 21

DUI Arrests: 4
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 1
Total Arrests: 5

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Saturday night, the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a 3-officer traffic saturation patrol.  There was severe weather in the area for much of the night.

ARRESTED: Stephen Louis Dannenhauer (W/M 6-18-71), of 5320 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014237

ARRESTED: Stephen Louis Dannenhauer (W/M 6-18-71), of 5320 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014237

ARRESTED: Michael Wayne Vest (W/M 03-04-92), of 902 NE 12th Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014245

ARRESTED: Michael Wayne Vest (W/M 03-04-92), of 902 NE 12th Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014245

Total Traffic Stops: 20
Warnings: 8
Speed Citations: 5
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 2
Non-moving Citations: 1
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 2
Citations Total: 10

DUI Arrests: 2
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 0
Total Arrests: 2

The grant that paid for these operations was awarded to the Cape Coral Police Department to reduce traffic crashes, serious bodily injuries, and fatality crashes that are attributable to impaired driving.  The grant provides $45,000 to offset the cost these High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations.

From 2012—2014 the City saw a 14% increase in traffic crashes. More alarming, is the number of alcohol related deaths and serious bodily injuries that occur each year. On average from 2012 to 2014, in 40% of the traffic homicide investigations (THI) and serious bodily injuries (SBI), alcohol was a factor. The total number of THIs and SBIs doubled from 2012 to 2014.

In 2014 Cape Coral saw the highest number of DUI arrests (203) occur between the hours of 12:00 am and 4:00 am. Of the 445 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests that occurred throughout all three districts in Cape Coral, (North, Central, and South), 210 or 47% occurred in the South District.  The South District of Cape Coral is everything south of Veterans Memorial Parkway and is comparable in both population and area to Sarasota, Florida.

Operations will continue through September 30, 2015.

Link to original news release: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

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

(September 8, 2015)-  Two men are behind bars after a theft at local automotive shop ended in a high-risk car stop.

Yesterday evening, around 7:40 PM, Officers responded to a robbery call at O’Reilly Automotive located at 1103 Del Prado Boulevard. The caller stated that the business was just robbed and that three Hispanic males took items from the store. Two of the suspects fled the store in a white older model Isuzu pickup truck and the other suspect fled the area on foot.

Responding officers located the vehicle on SE 14th Avenue parked on the side of the road.  The driver attempted to flee the area when he saw the Officers.   A felony car stop was conducted on the vehicle at the 900 block of SE 14th Avenue. The driver, Martin Rolon, and occupant, Alberto Arce, were remove from the vehicle and detained.

Investigation revealed that the call was in fact, a retail theft and not a robbery and that Rolon and Arce physically obstructed the store manager from stopping the third unidentified male who stole approximately $530 worth of merchandise and file the store.

Store employees came to the scene and positively identified Rolon and Arce as two of the suspects and verified that the items that were in the back of Rolon’s pickup truck were the same items taken from the store.

Both Rolon and Arce were arrested and transported to the Lee County Jail.

Rolon, the driver of the pickup truck, showed signs of impairment at the traffic stop, prompting a DUI investigation.   Rolon refused to participate in Field Sobriety Tests while at the Lee County Jail and had to be taken away by Deputies for being disorderly. Officers also learned that Rolon did not have a valid Driver’s license.

Rolon was charged the Retail Theft (Felony), Resisting a Merchant, and Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and DUI.

Arce was arrested for the Retail Theft (Felony), Resisting a Merchant.

Officers are still attempting to identify the third suspect.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
ARRESTED: Martin Rolon (W/M 02/06/83), of 1008 SE 9th Court, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI, No Valid Driver’s License, Retail Theft, Resisting a Merchant, Obstruction-Resisting without Violence

ARRESTED: Alberto Arce (W/M 12/07/57), of 17 Hickens Road, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Retail Theft and Resisting a Merchant

ARRESTED: Alberto Arce (W/M 12/07/57), of 17 Hickens Road, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Retail Theft and Resisting a Merchant

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

(September 9, 2015)-  Congratulations to Detective Jamie Grey of the Cape Coral Police Department Training Unit! 

On September 4th, Detective Grey graduated from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), 2-week (82 hours) Firearms Instructor Training Program.  

Detective Grey graduated at the top of his class as a Distinguished Weapons Expert.  Distinguished Weapons Expert is earned by achieving a 95% proficiency in combined arms qualification at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (Handgun, Rifle, & Shotgun - knowledge base and qualifications). 

He also graduated as an Expert in the field of firearms.  Expert is conveyed for successful completion of all practical aspects of the training as set forth in the requirements for Firearms Instructor Training Program FITP-512.

This was a tough course and we are very proud of Detective Grey and his accomplishments. 

"The Cape Coral Police Department invests heavily in the training of its OfficersWe have a number of nationally and internationally renowned instructors on staff who bring world-class training to our Officers so that they may better serve the citizens of Cape Coral." Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

PHOTO: Detective Jamie Grey of the Cape Coral Police Department Training Unit graduated from the FLETC Firearms Instructor Course on September 4, 2015.  He was awarded the distinction of Firearms Expert and Distinguished Weapons Expert.  (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

(September 9, 2015)-Shortly after noon today, Cape Coral Police responded to a serious injury crash in the 2000 block of Hancock Bridge Parkway E.  The crash sent two people to local hospitals for treatment, one of which sustained life threatening injuries.

Both lanes of Hancock Bridge were shut down for approximately 4 hours as Cape Coral Police Major Crash Investigators conducted their investigation.  Patrol, Forensics, and victim Advocates responded to assist at the scene.  A Ping4 alert as sent to notify drivers and residents in the area.

The investigation is ongoing.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE OF CRASH: September 9, 2015
TIME: 12:03 PM
LOCATION: 2000 block of Hancock Bridge Pkwy
CR#: 15-014405

VEHICLE 1 (V-1): A 2003, silver Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV. 
DRIVER 1 (D-1): Terrey Albert Gavazzi, W/M, 73, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Gavazzi suffered minor injuries as a result of the traffic crash. 

VEHICLE 2 (V-2): A 1999, green Saturn S-series 4 door car.
DRIVER 2 (D-2): Alexandra Nicole Konikow, W/F, 21, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES: Konikow suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the traffic crash. 

V-1 was traveling west on Hancock Bridge Pkwy in the outside lane at the 2000 block. V-2 was traveling east on Hancock Bridge Pkwy in the outside lane at 2000 block. 

As vehicle was traveling, the driver lost control of V-1 and V-1 entered into a counterclockwise spin. V-1 then traveled southwest, crossing the inside west lane, at which time V-1 struck the concrete median of the roadway. After striking the median, V-1 crossed the median and spun clockwise. V-1 was now traveling southwest in the East lanes of Hancock Bridge Pkwy and crossed the left turning lane and the inside east lane of the road. As V-1 entered into the outside lane, the front end of V-1struck the front left side and driver’s door of V-2, which caused V-2 to travel south, coming to final rest in the grass between the road and side walk. After the collision, V-1 traveled south and also came to rest in the grass between the road and the sidewalk.

The driver of V-1 was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver of V-2 was trauma alerted to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. 

Due to the severity of the crash and injuries the driver of V-2 suffered, Major Crash Investigator, Forensics, and Victim Advocates responded to the scene.

Investigation is ongoing.

***There have been 10 traffic fatalities and 31 MCI usages in our city in 2015. (There is 1 fatality that has been ruled "medical" and the cause of death is not related to injuries in the traffic crash. This 1 "medical" fatality is not included in the number of traffic fatalities).***

Breakdown of the past 5 years FYI:

• 2015= 10 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (31 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death)
• 2014: 10 Traffic fatalities, 5 DUI related (40 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical ruled death)
• 2013: 19 Traffic fatalities, 6 DUI related (43 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)
• 2012: 10 Traffic fatalities, 6 DUI related (21 MCI usages)
• 2011: 11 Traffic fatalities, 4 DUI related (24 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical and 1 suicide ruled deaths)
• 2010: 9 Traffic fatalities, 3 DUI related (22 MCI usages)

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

(September 11, 2015)-  The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct its tenth and eleventh High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, this weekend.

The goal of the Impaired Driving Project is to conduct special HVE operations focused on impaired driving in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities attributable to impaired driving.

The operation tonight (Friday, September 11, 2015) will be a citywide saturation patrol, focusing on impaired drivers from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  Tomorrow night's (September 12, 2015) operation will be a DUI checkpoint running from midnight to 5:00 AM.  

Original news release about the FDOT Grant: Cape Coral Police Department Awarded Grant; Begins DUI Enforcement Operations

PHOTO:  Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 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

(September 11, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police have made an arrest in a March 2015 Burglary of the Boathouse Restaurant at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

Jeffrey J. Hay (W/M 4/14/82) of 1722 SW Santa Barbara Pl., was arrested by members of the Cape Coral Police Department Street Crimes Unit last night on a warrant for Burglary and Grand Theft.

The break in the case came from a tiny piece of evidence found by a meticulous Patrol Officer.  The suspect was seen on video smoking a cigarette during the burglary.  Officer Ryan Tronchet, of the Patrol Bureau locate and collected the discarded cigarette butt and cigarette pack and submitted it for Forensic analysis.    Forensics was able to obtain a DNA sample and match it to Hay, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant.

Link to original news release: Cape Coral Police Looking for Boat House Burglar

ARRESTED: Jeffrey J. Hay (W/M 4/14/82) of 1722 SW Santa Barbara Pl
CHARGES: Burglary, Grand Theft

ARRESTED: Jeffrey J. Hay (W/M 4/14/82) of 1722 SW Santa Barbara Pl
CHARGES: Burglary, Grand Theft

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

(September 11, 2015)- Today, Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigators arrested William Gulliver, W/M, DOB 07-09-1940, the driver in the July 20th fatality crash that occurred at Diamond Billiards, on a warrant for the following charges:

• 1 count DUI Manslaughter, 2nd Degree Felony
• 1 count DUI w/Serious Bodily Injury, 3rd Degree Felony
• 3 counts of DUI causing Damage to Persons or Property, 1st Degree Misdemeanor
• 1 count of Battery, 1st Degree Misdemeanor

Last week, the Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigator completed the investigation and submitted an application for an arrest warrant.  Today, the Major Crash Investigator received notice that the warrant had been approved and was active.  

The Major Crash Investigator Contacted the LCSO Warrants Division for assistance.  Deputies Made contact with Gulliver at his home on Pine Island this afternoon at 6:45 PM.  Gulliver was turned over to the custody of the Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigator, Corporal Andrew Satterlee, and he was transported to the Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: William Gulliver, W/M, DOB 07-09-1940
CHARGES: 1 count DUI Manslaughter, 2nd Degree Felony; 1 count DUI w/Serious Bodily Injury, 3rd Degree Felony; 3 counts of DUI causing Damage to Persons or Property, 1st Degree Misdemeanor; 1 count of Battery, 1st Degree Misdemeanor.

ARRESTED: William Gulliver, W/M, DOB 07-09-1940
CHARGES: 1 count DUI Manslaughter, 2nd Degree Felony; 1 count DUI w/Serious Bodily Injury, 3rd Degree Felony; 3 counts of DUI causing Damage to Persons or Property, 1st Degree Misdemeanor; 1 count of Battery, 1st Degree Misdemeanor.

Link to original news release: Pool Hall Crash Injures Two, Kills a Third

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

(September 12, 2015)- Today, Police in Pawtucket, Rhode Island arrested Montaigu A. Moselle, W/M, DOB: 02-06-79, of 114 Crescent Road, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a driver in the July 4, 2015,  fatality crash that occurred at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Skyline Boulevard, on a warrant for the following charges:

• DUI Manslaughter (Paul Ortiz 10-12-30)
• DUI Manslaughter (Joan Ortiz 7-19-36)
• DUI Causing Personal Injury (Paul W. Ortiz 7-8-59)
• DUI Causing Personal Injury (Kathleen Ortiz 3-19-58)
• DUI Causing Property Damage (vehicle 2)
• DUI Causing Property Damage (street sign)

The traffic crash resulted in the death of two passengers in a second vehicle, killing Paul Ortiz (DOB: 10-12-30) that night and Joan Ortiz (DOB: 7-19-36) almost two weeks later.  Investigation revealed that Moselle had a BAC of .214 at the time of the crash.

Last week, the Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigator completed the investigation and submitted an application for an arrest warrant.  Yesterday, the Major Crash Investigator, Corporal Andrew Satterlee, was advised that the warrant had been approved and was active.  Corporal Satterlee contacted Pawtucket, RI Police for assistance in serving the warrant.

Today at 1:50 pm, Corporal Satterlee was notified by Cape Coral Police Department Communications that Moselle had been placed under arrest in his hometown of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  A teletype was received confirming his arrest and hold with no bond, pending extradition to Lee County.

ARRESTED: Montaigu A. Moselle, 2-6-79, 114 Crescent Road, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 02861.
CHARGES:  2 Counts DUI Manslaughter, 2 Counts DUI w/Personal Injury, and 2 counts of DUI w/Property Damage.

Links to Original news releases:

UPDATE: July 4th Crash Claims Second Life

Cape Coral Police Department Investigating July 4th Traffic Fatality

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

(September 13, 2015)-  The Cape Coral Police Department conducted its tenth and eleventh High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations Friday and Saturday nights, since being awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The results of the operations are below:

Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday night, the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a 3-officer traffic saturation patrol.

ARRESTED: Shannon Lee Stewart (W/M 7-30-76) of 1734 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DWLSR/Warrant (Contempt of Court).
CR#: 15-014551

ARRESTED: Shannon Lee Stewart (W/M 7-30-76) of 1734 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DWLSR, Warrant (Contempt of Court).
CR#: 15-014551

ARRESTED: Raquel Nicole Williams (B/F 3-27-91), of760 July Circle, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014552

ARRESTED: Raquel Nicole Williams (B/F 3-27-91), of760 July Circle, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014552

ARRESTED: Christopher Nathaniel Guzman (3-09-87), of 426 SW 45th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Reckless Driving (115 MPH in a 40 MPH Zone)
CR#: 15-014555

ARRESTED: Christopher Nathaniel Guzman (3-09-87), of 426 SW 45th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Reckless Driving (115 MPH in a 40 MPH Zone)
CR#: 15-014555

Total Traffic Stops: 15
Warnings: 2
Speed Citations: 9
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 2
Non-moving Citations: 1
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 3
Citations Total: 15

DUI Arrests: 1
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 2
Total Arrests: 3

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Saturday night, the Cape Coral Police Department conducted a DUI Checkpoint.  12 people were checked for impairment.   5 of the 12 were arrested for DUI.  There was a large volume of taxi and Limousine traffic observed by Officers during this operation.

ARRESTED: William Clark Hunt (W/M 3-08-63), of 453 Seaworthy Rd, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014585

ARRESTED: William Clark Hunt (W/M 3-08-63), of 453 Seaworthy Rd, North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014585 

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE
ARRESTED: Maria De Los Angeles Ramirez-Aguilar, of 11420 Char Ann Dr Apt# A, Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DWLSR
CR#: 15-014588
Ofc. Goncalves (FMPD) 

ARRESTED: Jennifer Crystal Williams, of 3407 SW 8th Ct., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014589

ARRESTED: Jennifer Crystal Williams, of 3407 SW 8th Ct., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014589

ARRESTED: Lisa R Vaupel (W/F 10-19-67), of 2008 SE 9th Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014591

ARRESTED: Lisa R Vaupel (W/F 10-19-67), of 2008 SE 9th Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014591

ARRESTED: Jennifer Marie Laverty (W/F 1-24-72), of 1227 SE 6th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014598

ARRESTED: Jennifer Marie Laverty (W/F 1-24-72), of 1227 SE 6th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-014598

ARRESTED: Shaneika Lovett Butler-Gary (B/F 06-05-1977), of 1418 SE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-389665
Deputy Duncan (LCSO)

ARRESTED: Shaneika Lovett Butler-Gary (B/F 06-05-1977), of 1418 SE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
CR#: 15-389665
Deputy Duncan (LCSO)

Total Traffic Stops: 0
Warnings: 0
Speed Citations: 9
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 0
Non-moving Citations: 0
Open Container Driver: 0
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 6
Citations Total: 6

DUI Arrests: 5
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 1
Total Arrests: 6

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

(September 15, 2015)-  A car burglar who stole a gun and went on a crime spree in SE Cape Coral has been arrested.

Yesterday morning police investigate a vehicle burglary at 4302 Del Prado Boulevard S.  A vehicle was broken into and from it was taken a number of items including a loaded firearm.  The burglar used the firearm to shoot the window out of another vehicle in the parking lot, and commit a second burglary, stealing a purse from within.

A short time later, Cape Coral Police Department was contacted by EBS Firearms at 1639 Cape Coral Parkway on a "shots heard" complaint.  When officers arrived, they learned that an unknown white female entered the store and attempted to sell a Taurus handgun.  Store employees found it odd because the female was wearing gloves and there was a spent casing still inside the gun.  The female gave a Florida Drivers License which was not hers and the store employees elected not to purchase the gun.  Officers looked at the video surveillance from EBS Arms and observed that it was the same female suspect from the earlier burglary investigation.

Patrol, K9, and Aviation responded to the area to search for the suspect.  A Ping4alert was sent, warning people in the area about the police activity and providing a description of the suspect as well.

Officers contacted Investigative Services Bureau Property Detectives and provided them a still photograph from the surveillance footage.  Detectives recognized the suspect as Kristina Lantz (W/F 9-18-91), of 1306 SE 41st Ter., Cape Coral, FL.  Officers went to her last known residence and made contact with Lantz in the driveway.  Also in the driveway was a gray Chevrolet Impala which had been reported stolen earlier in the day (the front passenger window was broken and missing).

Detectives respond to the residence.  A search warrant for the home was obtained and upon execution of the search warrant, the stolen gun was located inside the along with numerous other items of stolen property to include purses and jewelry belonging to other victims.

Lantz was taken into custody without incident and transported to Lee County Jail.  Investigation is ongoing to identify additional victims.  Additional charges are pending.

ARRESTED: Kristina Lantz (W/F 9-18-91), of 1306 SE 41st Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Burglary of a Vehicle x 2; Grand Theft Firearm; Grand Theft Auto, and Criminal Mischief.
CR#s: 15-014663, 15-014651, 1514652

ARRESTED: Kristina Lantz (W/F 9-18-91), of 1306 SE 41st Ter., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Burglary of a Vehicle x 2; Grand Theft Firearm; Grand Theft Auto, and Criminal Mischief.
CR#s: 15-014663, 15-014651, 1514652

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