(November 4, 2015)- Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying a burglary suspect.

On October 27, 2015, at at around 9:15 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to 159 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., on a past occurred burglary of a business (Iragazzi Pizza).

An unknown suspect was able to pry open the rear door toIragazzi Pizza. Once the suspect was inside of the business he removed a cash register that contained $200. In addition to stealing the cash register the suspect broke one of the printers.

Burglary tools were left outside the rear door at the scene.

Total value of all missing or broken items:

• US currency/cash valued at approximately $ 200.00
• Cash Register valued at $ 200.00
• Damaged door- $ 1000.00
• Damaged printer- $ 600.00

Forensics responded to the call to take pictures and collect evidence.  

Please take a look at the photos below. 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

(November 10, 2015)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is partnering with the Harry Chapin Food Bank for the fifth year in a row to host the ‘Holiday Heroes Food Drive’.

There are many Cape Coral residents that rely on the Harry Chapin Food Bank for food every day, and many of those who receive help from the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Cape Coral are families with children.

Last year, the Cape Coral Police Department collected almost 2,500 pounds of food...OVER 1 TON! We would like to match that total this year or even beat it. This year’s ‘Holiday Heroes Food Drive’ will be held on Thursday, November 12th, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, to ensure that the food bank receives plenty of food donations prior to Thanksgiving.

The Cape Coral Police Department will be at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1619 Del Prado Blvd., as well as the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 505 SW Pine Island Road (Kohl’s Shopping Center) collecting donations for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. There will be SWAT Team members on hand as well as Police K9 Officers, SWAT vehicles and police cars for display.

Members of the community can meet and greet with those who serve and protect our city. This is a great opportunity for kids to interact with Police Officers in a positive setting.

WHAT: Holiday Heroes Food Drive

WHERE: Walmart Supercenter 1619 Del Prado Blvd & Walmart Neighborhood Market 505 SW Pine Island Road (Kohl’s Shopping Center location)

WHEN: Thursday November 12, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

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

(November 10, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police Officers will take to the streets in the coming weeks on bicycles and in cars in the first of many High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operations focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety.

The funding for these operations is provided through a $20,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for High Visibility Enforcement addressing pedestrian and bicycle safety.  This is the second such grant awarded to the Cape Coral Police Department by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Officers will target areas of the city where bicycle and pedestrian traffic is prevalent and will distribute educational materials, issue warnings and/or citations to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists who commit violation of Florida statutes.  The main objective of this effort is to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists through the use of selective traffic education and enforcement operations.

This campaign is a component of Florida's Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Initiative Communication & High Visibility Enforcement Implementation under the direction of the Florida Department of Transportation and the University of South Florida.

THE CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO REMIND YOU THAT:

• Pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk and if no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists should not wear headphones or talk on their cell phones.  
• Pedestrians and bicyclists should cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections when possible and obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON'T WALK signs.
• Bicyclists should have their bicycle equipped with a white light on the front visible from a distance of 500 feet and a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet, between sunset and sunrise during operation.
• Bicyclists operating on the roadway are subject to obeying all traffic control devices to include stop signs and lighted traffic signals.
• Bicyclists operating upon a sidewalk or crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.

SOME UNSAFE DRIVER BEHAVIOR ASSOCIATED WITH PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE VIOLATIONS, CRASHES AND FATALITIES INCLUDE:

• Speeding (5 MPH can make the difference between types of injuries)
• Failure to stop for red lights or stop signs
• Failure to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
• Distracted driving
• Blocking crosswalks
• Turning on permitted light (green signal) but not looking for pedestrian properly crossing in crosswalk -Right and Left turn crashes with pedestrians.

Information based on the following Florida State Statutes F.S.S. 316.130 Pedestrians; traffic regulations (1 through 18) and F.S.S. 316.2065 Bicycle regulations (1 through 19).

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

(November 11, 2015)- A Cape Coral man was arrested for credit card fraud with multiple victims after an extensive six month investigation.  Cape Coral Police Investigative Service Bureau - Economic Crimes Unit, Cape Coral Police Street Crimes Unit, and Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on a N.E. Cape Coral home.

On November 10, 2015 the search warrant was conducted at 319 N.E. 13th Place, the residence of Raimundo Bernardo Ugando Perez.  Cape Coral Police Detectives found more than $10,000 in fraudulent credit cards and associated electronic devices inside the home.

Raimundo Bernardo Ugando Perez was placed under arrest and charged with Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Forgery of Credit Cards, Impersonation of Persons, Grand Theft, and Petit Theft.

Arrested: Raimundo Bernardo Ugando Perez, H/M. DOB 01-17-1963, of 319 NE 13th Place, Cape Coral, FL  33909

Charges: Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Forgery of Credit Cards, Impersonation of Persons, Grand Theft, and Petit Theft.

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

(November 13th, 2015) The Cape Coral Police Department received a call for service around 2:17 pm on this day regarding a person that may have been injured at the 2700 Block of Del Prado Blvd. South.  Cape Coral Police Officers responded quickly to the scene and discovered a deceased male. 

Cape Coral Police Investigative Service Bureau - Major Crimes Unit Detective was contacted and responded.  A death investigation is actively being conducted.  

A detailed news release with the deceased information is to come once all necessary Next of Kin are properly notified.

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

(November 17, 2015) The Cape Coral Police responded to a report of a  traffic crash with injuries at around 8:12 pm on November 16, 2015, at the 900 block of SE 47th Terrace.

The caller stated there were two persons laying in the roadway after being struck by a vehicle.  Cape Coral Police, Cape Coral Fire Department, and Lee County EMS responded to the scene.   Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigator also responded due to the seriousness of the initial report of injuries sustained by the two pedestrians involved.

Details of Crash

DATE OF CRASH: November 16, 2015

TIME: 8:12 p.m.

LOCATION: 900 SE 47th Ter

CR#: 15-018258

VEHICLE 1 (V-1): A 1985, Ford E350 Van.

DRIVER 1 (D-1): Roy J. Murray, W/M, 65, of Cape Coral, Florida.

DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Murray did not suffer any injuries in the traffic crash.

PEDESTRIAN 1(P-1): Donald T. Williscroft, W/M, 35, of Naples, Florida.

PEDESTRIAN 1 INJURIES: Donald Williscroft suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result of the traffic crash.

PEDESTRIAN 2(P-2): Mary E. Williscroft, W/F, 58, of Willingboro, NJ.

PEDESTRIAN 2 INJURIES: Mary Williscroft suffered non-life threatening injuries as a result of the traffic crash.

At the time of the crash, V-1 was traveling East on SE 47th Ter, in the Eastbound lane. P-1 and P-2 had recently walked South across SE 47th Ter and were near the sidewalk on the South side of the road.

As V-1 was traveling, P-1 and P-2 suddenly walked back into the East lane. The driver of V-1 immediately began to slow V-1 and as V-1 was coming to a stop, the front bumper of V-1 struck both P-1 and P-2. P-1 and P-2 then struck the ground and came to rest in front of V-1; V-1 came to rest at the area of impact.

P-1 and P-2 were treated at the scene and trauma alerted to the Lee Memorial Hospital. Once at the Hospital, it was determined that both P-1 and P-2 had suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol is related to this traffic crash as P-1 and P-2 had higher than 0.2 alcohol levels, the driver of V-1 did not show any signs of impairment.

P-1 and P-2 were found at fault for the traffic crash and issued citations.

Due to the severity of the traffic crash, THI N. Green, Forensics and Victim Advocates responded to the incident.

BREAKDOWN OF THE PAST 5 YEARS FYI......

2015= 13 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (40 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

(November 17, 2015)-  The Cape Coral Police Department wants to remind drivers to buckle their seat belts.  The next "Click It or Ticket" campaign of 2015 has started.  Starting today November 17, 2015 and running through November 30, 2015, Cape Coral Police are joining with law enforcement agencies all over the state and will be focusing on enforcing seatbelt use.  Officers will be looking for seatbelt violations as primary offenses and will be issuing tickets instead of warnings to drivers who don't buckle up, or who don't have their passengers properly restrained.

" The Click It or Ticket campaign helps raise awareness to get drivers in the habit of buckling up as well as their passengers.  Seat belts do save lives."- Det. Nicholas Malone, Cape Coral Police Department Assistant Public Affairs Officer.

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

(November 18, 2015)-  November 18, 2015 marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of Al Griffiths, a store manager for TJ Maxx who was brutally gunned down outside his work.

Al was a brother, a son, and loved by employees, coworkers, and customers.  SWFL Crimestoppers has teamed up with the Cape Coral Police Department and has worked closely with Al's family, in hopes of keeping this tragic story in the forefront of everyone's minds in hopes that someone will come forward with the key piece of information we need to make a break in this case and bring Al's killer to justice.

Please watch the video.  If you have any information no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, 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

(November 19, 2015)-  Yesterday afternoon, the winners of the November 2015 Do The Right Thing Awards were recognized at a ceremony at Cape Coral City Hall.

Six Cape Coral students were recognized at the ceremony.  Below are their names and an excerpt from their nominations:

Camila Santiago-8th Grade, Challenger Middle School
Aron Ortiz-8th Grade, Challenger Middle School
Camila and Aron have given assistance to two monolingual Spanish speaking students.  They have welcomed the two new boys, assisting them with understanding expectations and social norms, translated and helped them with homework.  They encourage the boys to speak English and guide them with pronunciation and meaning.  Both Camila and Aron are very caring and empathetic since both of them were in the same situation when they came to the United States.  Camila and Aron are constantly telling the boys that they are doing a great job which in turns encourages them to do their best.  

Jaden Savakinus-5th Grader, Christa McAuliffe Charter School    
Last Monday, Jaden chose to make the right choice when he saw a student who had a weapon on the bus.   As soon as Jaden arrived at school, he notified school officials of what he had witnessed.  The weapon was then obtained from the student and a potentially dangerous situation was adverted by his action.

Juan Almeida-7th Grader, Challenger Middle School    
Since the start of this school year, Juan has been very supportive of a new student who does not speak English.   During the first week of school the teacher asked Juan if he could sit next to the new student and help translate.  He has been able to communicate to her what is going on in class and what the teacher is asking of the students for various assignments.    The teacher is impressed by his willingness to help a fellow student.

Kelsey Beshirs-8th Grader, Caloosa Middle School    
Kelsey has been instrumental in doing the right thing for Caloosa Middle School time and time again.  First, she confided in an authority figure that a few students were using a vape after school in a common area of the school.  It was then reported to the School Resource Officer and the videos were reviewed and students were dealt with the next day.  Kelsey has also taken it upon herself to mentor a very challenging student.  She has encouraged him and helps him to complete his work. She is a positive role model for the students at Caloosa Middle. 

Paul DeStefanis-9th Grader, Oasis High School
Paul did a selfless act which caught the School Resource Officer’s attention.  During lunch students are required to clean up after themselves.  However, several students during Paul’s lunch period had left a mess behind on the floor.  Even though Paul was not responsible for the mess, he began cleaning it up. 

Do The Right Thing, Inc. is a non-profit corporation operating under the City of Cape Coral Police Department, dedicated to recognizing students within the community who are doing good things. All students nominated are “winners” and receive a t-shirt, certificate, and other prizes. Each month our Board of Directors selects some of those students to honor publicly at a special ceremony attended by family friends, police officers, and community members. 

Our goals:

• To build self-esteem in our youth by reinforcing socially desirable behavior.
• To foster positive relations between the police department and students by building bridges of trust, understanding, and civic responsibility.
• To allow the residents of the City of Cape Coral to see the positive actions of our young citizens and demonstrate that “good kids” are newsworthy.
• To allow the community the opportunity to publicly thank our youth for their achievements.

Donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, corporations, and community groups make the Do The Right Thing Program possible.

If you or your business are interested in making a donation to or becoming a sponsor of this worthwhile program, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department Community Outreach Coordinator, Anella "Joy" Nyack, at (239) 242-3342.

PHOTO:  Do The Right Thing 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

(November 19, 2015)-  A deceased male who was discovered in the 2700 block of Del Prado Boulevard S. on Friday has been identified.

Cape Coral Police Detectives have identified the deceased as Jeffrey Martin Pollock, 45, of Cape Coral.

The investigation is ongoing.  However, Detectives do not suspect foul play.

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

(November 19, 2015)-  A Cape Coral man is in custody after Detectives shut down a meth lab in a SE Cape Coral home.

Yesterday afternoon at around 1:40 PM, Cape Coral Police Detectives from the Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit and SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at 1101 Country Club Boulevard.

The warrant was served at the residence and the occupants were detained.  Inside the home, Cape Coral Police Detectives located an operational meth lab, including equipment, chemicals, and methamphetamine.  Detectives collected evidence, including 24 ounces of methamphetamine.

Investigation revealed that the meth lab was being operated by Scott J. Bramhall, 50.  Bramhall was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Lee County Jail on charges of Possession, Manufacture, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine.

ARRESTED: Scott J. Bramhall, W/M, DOB: 08-23-1965, of 1101 Country Club Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Trafficking in Methamphetamine.

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

(November 10, 2015)-  Would you like to serve your community by volunteering a few hours each week?

The Cape Coral Police Volunteer Unit (PVU) will be holding an academy class the week of February 8, 2016 at Cape Coral Police Department Headquarters.

Our Patrol Division needs volunteers. The Patrol Division patrols the streets of Cape Coral, assisting with the enforcement of non-moving violations such as handicap parking, parking in a fire lane, median parking, parking on a sidewalk, parking in front of a fire hydrant, etc.

PVU Volunteers do vacation house checks, direct traffic at crashes, etc. They work special events such as Red, White and Boom, the Coconut Festival, etc. and other events as assigned. PVU Volunteers also make deliveries to the court system in Cape Coral and Ft. Myers.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, go to the Cape Coral Police Department Headquarters building at 1100 Cultural Park Blvd., and fill out an application. Applicants will be interviewed, fingerprinted and must successfully complete a background check. Applicants must be over 21 years of age, a resident of Lee County and possess a valid Florida driver’s license.  Upon successful completion of the academy classes, you must volunteer at least 16 hours per month.

Soon, you could be wearing a police uniform in one of our 14 volunteer police cars.

The deadline for applications is December 23, 2015.  For more information, call 239-242-3346.

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

(November 25, 2015)-  Two women are in jail on warrants, narcotics, and traffic charges, after leading Cape Coral Police on a brief chase yesterday.

Around 11:30 AM, Officer Nicholas Slover attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Kia that made an illegal u-turn at Del Prado Boulevard and Veterans Parkway. The vehicle initially began to slow and then accelerated to a speed of 60 mph and fled into a nearby neighborhood.  

Additional officers responded to the area to assist.  The Kia was seen pulling into a service station north of St. Andrews Church and two females fled the vehicle on foot.  Both were immediately taken into custody without incident.  The women were identified as Malorie Johnson, W/F, DOB: 06-20-1992 (driver), and Jordan Fisher, W/F, DOB: 01-18-92.  A teletype check revealed that the driver, Johnson, had 31 suspensions and a Failure to Appear warrant.  The passenger, Fisher,  was found to be in possession of 7 different types of opiate pills/tablets to including heroin and a cut straw with residue and also had a warrant for Failure to Appear.

Both were transported to Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Malorie Johnson, W/F, DOB: 06-20-1992, Homeless.
CHARGES: Flee and Elude LEO, DWLS x 31, & LCSO warrant-FTA

ARRESTED: Malorie Johnson, W/F, DOB: 06-20-1992, Homeless.
CHARGES: Flee and Elude LEO, DWLS x 31, & LCSO warrant-FTA

ARRESTED: Jordan Fisher, W/F, DOB: 01-18-92, Homeless.
CHARGES: Felony warrant, Poss. of controlled substances x 7, & Poss. of paraphernalia

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

(November 26, 2015)-  The 2015 Cape Coral Police Department "Holiday Heroes" Food Drive Collected over 5,000 pounds of canned food to benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, almost doubling donations over last year!

On November 12, 2015, the Cape Coral Police Department set up two locations within the City of Cape Coral as collection sites for canned foods- the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on Pine Island Road and the Wal-Mart on Del Prado Boulevard.  Thanks to the partnership between the Cape Coral Police Department, our community, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, we successfully collected over two and a half tons of canned food.

"This year in particular both locations did a tremendous job increasing our collection by 90%. As I traveled to each location, I noticed that creativeness and motivation was an obvious factor to the success of this year’s event.  I’m proud to be part of the team."- Sgt. Carlos Mena, Cape Coral Police Department SWAT Team Leader

"So, the tables have turned, not just for the two locations but for those who will now be able to gather for a meal.  We truly appreciate your commitment to serving our SWFL neighbors in need. Your team is making a difference for the single mom between food stamps, for the family who has to choose between paying the bills or paying for nutritious food and the senior who will now be able to pay for medicine and not have to worry if they will eat."- Sam Kelly, Social Media & Online Services Coordinator for the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event a success.

PHOTO:  This family surprised us by purchasing a loaded shopping cart specifically for the Holiday Heroes canned food drive. Thank you for being heroes for families in need!.  (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 2, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are looking for this man in connection to a credit card fraud investigation, and they hope that one of you an identify him.

The victim stated an unknown suspect used his Visa debit card without his authorization on October 5th, at three (3) different locations. The first transaction occurred at the RaceTrac located at 2607 Del Prado Boulevard South. The second transaction took place at Bed, Bath and Beyond located at 1827 Northeast Pine Island Road.  The third transaction took place at the Dollar General located at 15201 North Cleveland Avenue, in Fort Myers. The suspect is shown in surveillance footage wearing a gray shirt with a yellow design and/or lettering on the front. The suspect is also seen with an unknown female and small child.

Please take a look at the photos below.  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

(December 8, 2015)- Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying a group of burglars.

On December 3, 2015 shortly before 5:00 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to a burglar alarm at John Michaels Diamond and Jewelry Studio located at 1331 Cape Coral Parkway E.  Responding officers found evidence of forced entry and that a burglary had occurred.  Patrol, Detectives, and Forensics responded to assist.  Surveillance video was obtained from the business.  A group of four suspects forced entry and made of with an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash drawer.  

Susp #1: Black shirt, possibly camo shorts, black athletic shoes with reflective stripes on top and heel. Light colored hood. Light or khaki colored backpack. He’s the one that took the cash drawer.

Susp #2: Light colored hoodie with T or DC Shoes logo, medium to light colored long pants, light colored shoes, something hanging cape-like on his back.

Susp #3: Black shirt, dark long pants, hood, either a mask or possibly goggles.

Susp #4: Light long sleeve shirt, dark pants, black shoes; shorter than the others, possibly younger, possibly a girl.

Please take a look at the video below.  If you have any information on the identity of these 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 9, 2015)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying a group of auto burglars.

At around 11:30 AM on December 6, 2015, Officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of NE 14 Avenue on a past-occurred car burglary.

The victim completed a report and provided surveillance footage showing the suspect(s) in action.  The burglary occurred during the overnight hours and was captured on surveillance video, showing what appears to be a group of juveniles walking the neighborhood and one of the juveniles breaking off from the group and entering the victim's garage to attempt entry into a vehicle.

This is one of five reported car burglaries that occurred in this area (shown above form the Cape Coral Police Department Interactive Crime Map) in the last seven days.

Please take a look at the photos and video below.  If you have any information on the identity of these 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 16, 2015)- The next "Do The Right Thing" ceremony for December 2015 will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 2:00pm in City Council Chambers.  This ceremony is open to the public and we encourage our community to come out and show their support to these outstanding young men and women who "did the right thing."

Ten (10) Cape Coral students will be recognized.  The winners’ nominations are after the break.

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Guerline Refuse-8th Grade, Caloosa Middle
During dismissal while waiting for the busses to arrive, two girls exchanged words with each other over a misunderstanding.  Guerline intervened and pulled her friend away from the other girl to get her out of the situation and help her calm down.  Other students ran up to ask the girls what was going on.  Guerline told them firmly to walk away and let it drop as she needed to talk with her friend.

They stood by a staff member who watched and listened to the conversation.  Guerline took control of the situation to help her friend calm down and prevent other students from making matters worse.  She acted like a good friend, a leader and a positive role model.  

Julia Zamarripa-7th Grade, Challenger Middle
Julisa is an excellent student.  She is empathetic, trustworthy, and helpful to teachers as well as fellow students.  She will offer help to a student she sees struggling using a gentle approach. Julisa also has exceptional integrity towards her work and has an amazing work ethic.

Breanna Salinas-7th Grade, Gulf Middle School          
Cole Parker-6th Grade
Elijah Cook-6th Grade
Ebony Cook-6th Grade
While waiting for the school bus, one of the students was approached by a man driving by.  The man stopped and motioned the student to come to his car.    While the female student walked away from the vehicle she was approached by other students coming to the bus stop.  When the bus arrived the students reported the incident to the bus driver.  While on the school bus the students kept their eyes out for the vehicle.  The students saw the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of a 7-11.  The female student took a video of the vehicle as their school bus drove by.  

The students staying together and keeping each other safe until the bus arrived was the right thing to do.  Additionally keeping an eye out while they traveled to school to get a clear video of the vehicle was amazing.  All of these students worked together to “Do The Right Thing”.

Isa Schevchenko-K, Hancock Creek Elementary
Isa took money out of her piggy bank to donate at school for people in need.  One day her mom forgot to pull stuff out of the pantry for a food drive, so she made her mom stop at Publix to pick up food before going to school.

Mika Shevchenko-3rd Grade, Hancock Creek Elementary
On a regular basis Mila goes through her pantry and donates food for people who are in need.

James Cannon-1st Grade, Oasis Elementary School
James and his family were very generous to a war veteran who had lost all of his belongings over the holiday weekend.  They gave this veteran a new backpack and a large bag full of the necessities he would need as he is homeless.  James took the time to write him a letter thanking him for his service and he gave him a plastic baggie full of the change he had at home.  When the veteran had the chance to read the letter and see that James had given him his change, he was so grateful that he cried.  He was thankful for everything that the family had done for him and he said that he will keep James’ letter forever. 

Cole Cassaday-2nd Grade, Pelican Elementary
Cole found money on the bus ramp and gave it to his teacher.  Cole is always picking up trash in parking lots stating that he wants to keep the earth clean and protect it.

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

(December 15, 2015)-  If you’re enjoying the holidays with a drink, the Cape Coral Police Department has a message for you: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Due to the increase in drunk-driving-related fatalities around the holidays each year, law enforcement agencies across America will be actively searching for and arresting drunk drivers from December 16 to January 1. They have good reason to: in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver. In December 2013 alone there were 733 people killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. 23 of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day. Just here in Cape Coral, 8 out of 13 fatalities this year have been directly attributed to impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is a choice you make, and when you make that choice, people get hurt or die. That’s why we’re joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.” Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

As part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign period, Cape Coral Police will be increasing the number of saturation patrols, and using social media to reach out to all drivers.

"If you’re drinking and driving, we will stop you. If you’re caught driving impaired you will face jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, towing fees, and other DUI expenses, totaling more than $10,000 on average, and that is the best-case scenario.  Worst-case...you hurt or kill yourself or someone else."- Sgt. Patrick O'Grady, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit.

In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, the Cape Coral Police Department is calling on everyone to be alert. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call the police right away at (239) 574-3223 or 9-1-1. If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely.  

Cape Coral drivers, please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy: 

• Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse, the risk of having a crash. 
• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins. 
• If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, Uber, phone a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

Remember, driving after drinking should never be an option. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

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

(December 16, 2015)-  Today, the Cape Coral Bike-Ped group was awarded the Injury Preventions Organization of the Year by the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition.  

The Cape Coral Police Department's Traffic Bureau worked hand in hand with the Cape Coral Bike-Ped organization as they were able to achieve Bronze Level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community.  This designation confirms the City of Cape Coral's commitment to safe and accessible environment for its citizens and visitors. 

The group was also the driving force behind getting over 90 miles of safe bike routes identified and marked with wayfinding signs.  CCPD assisted the Cape Coral Bike-Ped with education and enforcement of Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Laws, holding Bicycle Rodeo's and Summer Youth Bicycle Camps.  

PHOTO:  Cape Coral Bike-Ped was awarded the Injury Preventions Organization of the Year by the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition.  (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