(January 29th, 2016) Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department Investigative Service Bureau (Financial Crimes Unit) teamed up with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a skimmer operation.  This operation took place on January 28th, 2016 and focused on gas stations located in Lee County, which includes the City of Cape Coral.

It is difficult for citizens to detect illegal skimming devices while they are pumping gas.  The skimmers are placed inside the paneling at the gas pump out of sight, waiting to gather your information from your credit or debit card.  Once the information is obtained it can be used for fraudulent purchases.

Gas stations have placed security seals on the pumps to add protection for their customers.  It is recommended not to use the gas pump if the seal does not exist or it appears that it has been tampered with.

Joint operations like this one shows the community of Cape Coral that Law Enforcement Agencies are dedicated and determined to catch the bad guys and protect their citizens.  A total of ninety-four gasoline stations were checked and four illegal skimming devices were found. 

Anyone with information regarding illegal “skimmers” is encouraged to 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).  You can also call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 239-477-1000 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

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

(February 3, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying an armed robber.

At around 2:00 AM on February 3, 2016, a white male subject entered 7-eleven located at 3206 Santa Barbara Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL and robbed the store clerk at gun point.  He obtained an undisclosed amount of money and fled northeast on foot.  Officers responded to the store and set up a perimeter, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and light blue ripped jeans.  He is described as being approximately 40-50 years old, with a thin build, short gray hair and blue eyes. 

Please take a look at the photos below. If you were in the area at this time and saw anything or 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

(February 3, 2016)-  A traffic stop for running a stop sign in south Cape Coral quickly turned into much more yesterday.

Yepes was pulled over for a stop sign violation in the 4400 block of SE 8th Place.  While speaking with the Officer, Yepes became extremely nervous, so the Officer had Yepes exit the vehicle who then took flight on foot.  Officers quickly caught Yepes and took him into custody. 

K-9 Ofc. Reese was on-scene and his partner, "Arca," performed an open-air sniff alerting to the presence of narcotics.  A search of Yepes’ vehicle yielded 54.9g of “crack” cocaine, 2.4g of heroin, a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol, and small baggies used for packaging narcotics for sale.  Yepes was also knowingly driving on a suspended license.

Yepes was arrested on charges of Cocaine Trafficking, Poss. Heroin w/ Intent to Sell, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Resisting Arrest w/o Violence, Poss. Paraphernalia, and Knowingly DWLSR, and was transported to Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Jonatan Yepes, W/M, DOB: 02-15-91, of 4618 SW 7th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Cocaine Trafficking, Poss. Heroin w/ Intent to Sell, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Resisting Arrest w/o Violence, Poss. Paraphernalia, and Knowingly DWLSR.

ARRESTED: Jonatan Yepes, W/M, DOB: 02-15-91, of 4618 SW 7th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Cocaine Trafficking, Poss. Heroin w/ Intent to Sell, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Resisting Arrest w/o Violence, Poss. Paraphernalia, and Knowingly DWLSR.

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

(February 5, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying a burglar.

On January 27, 2016, an unknown suspect committed a burglary at the Moose Lodge located at 419 Cape Coral Pkwy East.  The suspect managed to take several items from the premises.  Surveillance video captured images of the suspect and his vehicle.

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

(February 10, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help locating and identifying a fraud suspect.

The woman shown in the photos below is a suspect in an ongoing credit card fraud investigation and has used fraudulent credit cards at a number of locations throughout Cape Coral and Southwest Florida.  Detectives are hoping someone will recognize her and give them the break they need in this case.

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

(February 16, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police continue to investigate an armed robbery that occurred last night.  Two suspects are in custody at the Lee County Jail and two others remain at-large.

Last night around 7:30 PM, Cape Coral Police responded to an armed robbery call at Lowe's located at 285 SW 25th Ln. The victim was approached by 4 subjects, 3 black males and 1 black female, in a white 4-door car. Victim was threatened with a firearm and the suspects stole her phone, purse, and keys. The victim fought off her assailant and the subjects fled the area in the white car.

Officer Brian Dennis located the suspect vehicle as it was leaving the Lowe's parking lot and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle accelerated and attempted to flee, accelerating to high rates of speed and weaving in and out of traffic.  The suspects failed to make a turn at Skyline Boulevard and crashed into multiple vehicles.

The driver and 2 other occupants, a black male and black female, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  Officer Dennis gave chase on foot.  Cape Coral Police Department Patrol, K9, and Aviation responded and set up a perimeter.  An off-duty FHP Trooper, Lt. Bowers, witnessed the crash and detained one of the vehicle occupants, later identified as Taudarian L. Jackson, B/M, DOB: 3-20-1996, of 2909 Blount St., Ft. Myers, FL.

A short time later, Officers Hugh Esterle, K9 Officer Bob Reese, and K9 "Arca" located the driver and took him into custody.  The driver was identified as Danarian A. Wheeler, B/M, DOB: 06-10-1999, of 3137 Guava Street, Ft. Myers, FL.  The other two suspects were not located and remain at-large.

A show-up was conducted and Jackson was positively identified as the suspect who committed the robbery.  Jackson was medically cleared at a local hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.  Both suspects were later booked at the Lee County Jail.

Cape Coral Police Detectives, and Forensics personnel responded to assist.  The suspect vehicle, which was discovered to have been stolen out of Ft. Myers, was towed to the Cape Coral Police Department where a search warrant was executed and the vehicle is being processed by Forensics.

"Cape Coral Police Detectives are continuing to aggressively work this case to identify and locate the remaining suspects.  Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: Taudarian L. Jackson, B/M, DOB: 3-20-1996, of 2909 Blount St., Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Robbery with a Firearm.

ARRESTED: Taudarian L. Jackson, B/M, DOB: 3-20-1996, of 2909 Blount St., Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Robbery with a Firearm.

ARRESTED: Danarian A. Wheeler, B/M, DOB: 06-10-1999, of 3137 Guava Street, Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Robbery with Firearm, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Without Violence, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a DL, Hit and Run with Injuries.

ARRESTED: Danarian A. Wheeler, B/M, DOB: 06-10-1999, of 3137 Guava Street, Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Robbery with Firearm, Motor Vehicle Theft, Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Without Violence, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a DL, Hit and Run with Injuries.

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

(February 17, 2016)- The next "Do The Right Thing" ceremony for February 2016 will be held today,  Wednesday, February 17, 2016 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."

Nine (9) Cape Coral students will be recognized.  The winners’ nominations are after the break.

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David Hernandez,  8th grade, Challenger Middle
Cape Coral was hit by a tornado that destroyed many people’s homes and property.  Some of Challenger’s Middle School students were unable to continue to live in their homes.  David worked on collecting money to be distributed to families negatively affected by the tornado.    David is truly a caring person.  

Barron Northorp, 9th grade, Mariner High School
Barron noticed on a social media site that a fellow student was going to kill herself that night.  He called his teacher to get the student’s last name and address so that he and his family could report it to the police.

Emily Bell, 2nd grade, Gulf Elementary
After the tornado came through SW Cape Coral on 1/18/16 many of the houses and neighborhoods near Gulf Elementary were damaged and some destroyed.  Emily could see that many people needed help and she wanted to do something.  So when a retired military veteran and his family started the recovery process, Emily was right there to lend a hand.  She worked inside the house to clean up broken glass, collected special objects that belonged to the family, and worked outside in the yard to clear away debris.

Mia Cutri, VPK, Four Freedom Park (VPK)
While playing outside with her class Mia noticed smoke coming from a duplex across the street from the playground.  Mia acted quickly by telling her teacher.  Because of Mia’s quick action, the school was able to call for help immediately. 

Caliah Russell, 3rd grade, Christa McAuliffe Elementary
Caliah is a model student at Christa McAuliffe.  She loves helping others and is actively involved in the K-Kids Club.  Caliah promoted Christa McAuliffe’s latest fundraiser in school which benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Because Caliah has battled and beat leukemia herself, her friends were enthusiastic about giving to this foundation.  As a result, the class raised over $450.00.

Madison Autrey, 3rd grade, Pelican Elementary
Madison was returning to class from PE when she found a dollar bill on the ground.  She immediately turned the money into an adult because it did not belong to her.  

Lindsey Byers, 8th grade, Oasis Middle
For over three years Lindsey has been a helper in Mrs. Berge’s first grade class.  She goes to the classroom on a daily basis to help students.  She works with struggling readers by acting as an older reading buddy and helps them on words they are struggling with.  

Alexia Flores, 7th grade, Challenger Middle
Alexia cares deeply about helping other people.  When she sees others being bullied she tries her best to intervene and to make a difference.  Onn one occasion she observed a disabled child being bullied in the halls and she reported it to the teacher.  She stated that she spoke up because she didn’t want anyone else being bullied.

Felix Cupil, 8th grade, Caloosa Middle
Felix Cupil found a folded $20.00 bill on the ground before the first period and handed it to the teacher to find the rightful owner.

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

(February 20, 2016)- A two vehicle crash yesterday afternoon shut down a North Cape intersection for almost 4 hours and sent two people to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

Yesterday afternoon around 2:00 PM, Cape Coral Police responded to a serious injury crash at the intersection of Kismet Parkway and Nelson Rd.

The crash occurred when one vehicle ran a 4-way stop sign, striking another vehicle at the intersection.  The driver of one car and a passenger from the second were sent to the hospital.  The hospitalized river sustained life-threatening injuries.

Cape Coral Police Department Major Crash Investigator responded to the scene.  Forensics personnel and Victim Advocates also responded to assist.

The investigation shut down this intersection for about 4 hours.  A Ping4 alert was sent, warning drivers and resident sin the North end of Cape Coral to avoid the area.

The synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE:  February 19, 2016
TIME:  2:01 PM
LOCATION:  Intersection of Kismet Parkway/Nelson Road.
CR#:  16-002822
ASSIGNED MCI: M/Cpl. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1: 2011 Kia Forte car, silver in color, Florida tag CBXX21.
DRIVER 1:  William Francis Sullivan, 59, W/M, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES:  Sullivan suffered life threatening injuries.

VEHICLE 2: 2012 Kia Forte car, white in color, Florida tag BUPK48.
DRIVER 2:  Michael William Wisniewski, Jr., W/M, 18, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES:  Wisniewski suffered minor injuries and refused medical transport.

PASSENGER 1: JUVENILE W/M, 15 YOA, of Cape Coral, Florida.
PASSENGER 1 INJURIES: Juvenile suffered minor injuries in the traffic crash and refused medical transport.

PASSENGER 2:  Arielle J. Gray, 19, W/F, of Bokeelia, Florida.
PASSENGER 2 INJURIES:  Gray suffered minor injuries and was transported to Cape Coral Hospital by ambulance for medical attention.

SYNOPSIS:  Vehicle 1 was West on Kismet Parkway approaching the intersection of Nelson Road.  Vehicle 2 was stopped on Nelson Road facing North at the intersection of Kismet Parkway.

According to witnesses and evidence, Vehicle 1 ran the posted stop sign at the four-way intersection as Vehicle 2 was driving North in the intersection.  The front left of Vehicle 1 struck the front right of Vehicle 2.  Vehicle 1 was forced off the Northwest corner of the intersection, struck a stop sign, and came to rest in a vacant field.  Vehicle 2 was forced to the West and came to rest in the intersection.

The driver of Vehicle 1 (William Francis Sullivan) was found unresponsive on the front passenger seat.  The driver of Vehicle 1 was trauma alerted by ambulance to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

The driver of Vehicle 2 (Michael William Wisniewski, Jr) suffered minor injuries and refused medical transport.  The right front passenger of Vehicle 2 (Arielle J. Gray) suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.  The right rear passenger of Vehicle 2 (JUVENILE) suffered minor injuries and refused medical transport.

Due to injury severity, M/Cpl. Satterlee, Ofc. D. Gray, Forensic Tech Fordham, and Victim Advocate Pena responded.  At a local hospital, it was determined that the driver of Vehicle 1 suffered a life threatening injury and several other serious injuries.  He is listed in critical condition.  The next of kin HAS BEEN notified.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol/drugs are a factor in the traffic crash. 

***There are 0 traffic fatalities and 4 MCI usages in our city in 2016. (There are 0 fatalities that are ruled "medical" and the cause of death is not related to injuries in the traffic crash. These 0 "medical" fatalities are not included in the number of traffic fatalities).***

Breakdown of the past 5 years FYI:

2016: 0 Traffic fatalities, 0 DUI related (4 MCI usages)

2015: 13 Traffic fatalities, 9 DUI related (43 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)

PHOTO:  A 2 vehicle crash yesterday afternoon sent two people to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.  (Photo Courtesy of Sgt. Jon Kulko, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit)

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

(February 20, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct another High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, tonight.

This is the second HVE operation since being awarded a second grant form the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

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 5-officer traffic saturation patrol that will focus on impaired drivers citywide tonight, Saturday, February 20, 2016, running from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

PHOTO:  Cape Coral Police Car at night.  (Photo Courtesy of Emma Mullen)

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

(February 21, 2016)-  Last night, the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit conducted its second High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) DUI Operation since being awarded a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the later part of 2015.

The operation was a 5-officer saturation patrol that was conducted city-wide.  Officers were focused on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road.  Below are the results of this operation:

ARRESTED: Daniel Cowdin, W/M, DOB: 10-17-1978, of 5595 Treehaven Circle, Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
Cowdin was stopped for speeding. After the stop, Ofc. Mills saw signs of impairment and asked Cowdin to complete field sobriety exercises.  Cowdin refused Field Sobriety and a breath test.  An open container was also found.

ARRESTED: Daniel Cowdin, W/M, DOB: 10-17-1978, of 5595 Treehaven Circle, Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
Cowdin was stopped for speeding. After the stop, Ofc. Mills saw signs of impairment and asked Cowdin to complete field sobriety exercises.  Cowman refused Field Sobriety and a breath test.  An open container was also found.

ARRESTED: Matthew Charles Francis Earles, W/M, DOB: 10-02-1992, of 508 SE 9th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
Officer Gray stopped Earles after he was found weaving within his lane, failing to stay in his lane, and eventually driving on to the median curbing.  After the stop, Officer Gray saw signs of impairment.  Earles completed field sobriety exercises and was arrested.  His BAC was 145. and .148.

ARRESTED: Matthew Charles Francis Earles, W/M, DOB: 10-02-1992, of 508 SE 9th Pl., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: DUI
Officer Gray stopped Earles after he was found weaving within his lane, failing to stay in his lane, and eventually driving on to the median curbing.  After the stop, Officer Gray saw signs of impairment.  Earles completed field sobriety exercises and was arrested.  His BAC was 145. and .148.

ARRESTED: Robert Lafarge, W/M, DOB: 12-31-1958, of 16 W. Main St., Norfolk, NY.
CHARGES: DUI
Sgt. O’Grady stopped Labarge for failing to maintain a single lane.  Labarge was found to be impaired and arrested for DUI.  Breath test results revealed .157 and .149.

ARRESTED: Robert Lafarge, W/M, DOB: 12-31-1958, of 16 W. Main St., Norfolk, NY.
CHARGES: DUI
Sgt. O’Grady stopped Labarge for failing to maintain a single lane.  Labarge was found to be impaired and arrested for DUI.  Breath test results revealed .157 and .149.

"There was a lot of taxi activity during this operation.  Taxis were lined up in front of the bars on SE 47th Ter."- Sgt. patrick O'Grady, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit.

Operations such as this will continue throughout 2016.

Total Traffic Stops: 28
Warnings: 2
Speed Citations: 14
Seatbelt Citations: 0
Moving Citations: 7
Non-moving Citations: 5
Open Container Driver: 1
Open Container Passenger: 0
.02 Violation: 0
Criminal Citations: 3
Citations Total: 30
DUI Arrests: 3
Motorcycle DUI Arrests: 0
Other Arrests: 0 
Total Arrests: 3

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

(February 23, 2016)-  On February 18, 2016, the Cape Coral Police Department was contacted by Robert Shemin to conduct a welfare check on James Marshall. Mr. Marshall is a business associate of Mr. Shemin and he had not been able to reach Mr. Marshall. Police responded to 1787 Four Mile Cove Parkway #435, which is the residence of Mr. Marshall.  However, they were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence at that time.

James Marshall is the same subject for whom a Ping4 alert was sent on the afternoon of February 19th.

Based on evidence collected during the investigation, Cape Coral Police Detectives are now considering this a death investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

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

(February 24, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Chief, Bart Connelly has received two new prestigious appointments.

In January, Chief Connelly was appointed to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Community Policing Committee.  The committee was formed to define community policing and create standardized criteria for agencies employing it, as well as formulating model policies and procedures for community police operations.  The committee also establishes links with non-law enforcement social and human service agencies toward enhanced communication, training, and mutual problem solving.

Also in January, as a Commissioner with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Chief Connelly was appointed Chair of the International Affairs Committee. Chief Connelly’s duties and responsibilities include making policy decisions about Commission operations internationally, and standards for public safety accreditation. 

Chief Connelly also currently serves on CALEA’s Corporate Affairs Committee.

“I am honored for these recent appointments and am looking forward to working with these highly regarded professional organizations and our international partners, for the advancement of professional law enforcement.”- 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

(February 25, 2016)-  What started as a missing persons case a week ago has now been upgraded to an active homicide investigation according to Cape Coral Police Detectives.

Detectives have confirmed that James Richard Marshall, a Cape Coral man who was reported missing on Friday, February 19th, has died and that foul play is suspected in his death.

Over the past several days, Detectives, Forensics personnel, divers and marine units from Cape Coral Police Department and LCSO have been assisting in this investigation, collecting evidence in and around Marshall’s SE Cape Coral home.

Based on evidence collected thus far, Detectives do not believe this was a random incident.  Detectives do have a person of interest in this case.

"This is still a very active investigation.  While no arrests have been made at this time, our Detectives and Forensics personnel are working diligently to bring this case to a close." Captain Lisa Barnes, Cape Coral Police Department Investigative Services Bureau.

This marks the first homicide in Cape Coral since 2014.

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

(February 29, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department wants to remind drivers to buckle their seat belts.  The next "Click It or Ticket" campaign of 2016 is about to start.  Starting March 1, 2016 and running through March 14, 2016, 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 save lives."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer

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

(February 29, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police are asking for your assistance in locating and identifying a fraudster.

The male in the photos below is a suspect in a case involving fraudulent use of a credit card and identity theft. The male made fraudulent transactions in the early evening at the Publix located at 2420 Santa Barbara Blvd. S. on January 29th and 30th.

The suspect is white (possibly Hispanic) and wore the same clothing- grey flip flops, tight dark grey sweatpants and a light grey jacket on both days.

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

(March 1, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department is releasing Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics for 2015. In 2015, the Cape Coral Police Department saw a decrease in violent crimes of 16.1%; the largest decline was in the areas of Aggravated Assault (-23.7%) and Homicide (-100%).

Non-violent crime was also on the decline last year, dropping by 4.1%. At the same time, the Cape Coral Police Department increased its case clearance rate by 5.6% in 2015.

The Index Crime Rate for Cape Coral dropped from 2147.2 in 2014 to 2005.3 in 2015, a decrease of 6.6%.  The "Index Crime Rate" is calculated for the number of Part I crimes per 100,000 residents.  Part I Crimes include: Murder, Sex Offenses, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Larceny, and Motor Vehicle Thefts.

"While there are always societal factors that are beyond our control, we are thrilled to see that both violent and non-violent crime declined in 2015.  I am proud of our Officers, Detectives, Forensics, Telecommunications, civilian support personnel, and Police Volunteers for their efforts in driving crime down, making Cape Coral a safe place to live, work, and play.  This shows what can be achieved when we partner with our citizens and build strong relationships throughout the community."- 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

(March 13, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that left one man dead last night.

Just before 7:00 PM Saturday evening, Cape Coral Police responded to the 2200 block of Nelson Rd. N. on a serious injury crash involving one vehicle, a 2007 yellow Chevrolet Corvette.

The vehicle was driven by 34 year-old Milton Josue Rodriguez Navarro, of Cape Coral.  Investigation revealed that the driver struck a mailbox and lost control.  The vehicle left the roadway, became airborne, and overturned.  The driver died as a result of his injuries.

Cape Coral Police Patrol, Major Crash Investigator, Forensics, and Victim Advocates responded to assist.  The roadway was shut down for several hours.  A Ping4 Alert was sent, warning drivers of potential delays.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE: March 12, 2016
TIME: 6:59 PM
LOCATION: 2300 Nelson Road North
CR: 16-004145
ASSIGNED MCI OFFICER: M/Cpl. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1: 2007 yellow Chevrolet Corvette.
DRIVER 1: Milton Josue Rodriguez Navarro, W/M, 34, Of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Rodriguez Navarro died on scene due to injuries suffered in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS:  According to several witnesses, Vehicle 1 was south on Nelson Road from the intersection of Kismet Parkway in the outside lane.  After several seconds, Vehicle 1 accelerated rapidly ("gunned it") and began to lose control.  The passenger side rearview mirror struck a mailbox at 2306 Nelson Road.  Vehicle 1 began to fishtail and drove off the right side of the roadway and entered the front yard of 2300 Nelson Road where it struck a cement culvert.  Vehicle 1 became airborne over the driveway and came down in a vacant field.  Vehicle 1 continued south and struck the raised portion of land in the front yard of 2220 Nelson Road.  The front of Vehicle 1 dug in and Vehicle 1 flipped over (rear of vehicle flipped forward) with the vehicle crushing down onto its roof.  Vehicle 1 came to final rest in the front yard.

During the crash, the driver of Vehicle 1 died due to injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by Lee County EMS.  Due to injuries, M/Cpl. Satterlee, Ofc. Gray, Victim Advocates, and Forensics personnel responded to the scene. 

The next of kin HAS BEEN notified.  It is unknown at this time if alcohol/drugs were a factor in the traffic crash.  Investigation is ongoing.

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

(March 14, 2016)-  A post on a popular social media site has prompted an Internal Affairs investigation, with the involved Officer on administrative leave.

Yesterday morning, Cape Coral Police were notified of a video that was posted to Facebook, purportedly showing a Cape Coral Police Officer involved in a physical altercation with another subject.

Upon reviewing the video, Chief of Police, Bart Connelly directed the Professional Standards Bureau to open an Internal Affairs investigation.  The involved Officer was immediately placed on administrative duty.

Detectives with the Professional Standards Bureau immediately contacted the involved parties and have begun to gather statements and evidence.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.

This morning, the administrative duty was amended and the involved Officer was placed on administrative leave.

Media was provided this written statement yesterday (amended to reflect the change from administrative duty to administrative leave):

"As a CALEA and CFA accredited agency, the Cape Coral Police Department maintains a culture of professionalism that does not tolerate the use of excessive force against any person at any time. The agency also maintains the responsibility to our community to protect our citizens and officers which unfortunately at times, involves the use of physical force.

We have seen the video of the incident.  Pursuant to department policy, accreditation standards, and Florida State Statutes, a comprehensive Internal Affairs investigation will take place to establish the details surrounding this incident, to include a finding of fact, which will be made public upon its completion.  If it is determined through this investigation that these actions were inappropriate, we will hold ourselves accountable.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

Detective Sergeant Coston spoke with reporters this afternoon.  Video below:

Below is the original video that was posted to Facebook:

She's definitely out of line but doesn't justify the officer throwing her like that.

Posted by Daniel Wirka on Saturday, March 12, 2016

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

(March 16, 2016)- The next "Do The Right Thing" ceremony for March 2016 will be held today, March 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM 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."

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

Our guest speaker will be Fox-4 News Anchor, Patrick Nolan.

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

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Madison Barron, 8th Grade, Caloosa Middle
Ashley Bake,r 8th Grade, Caloosa Middle
Madison and Ashley found a note in the hallway that was written by a student who was in emotional distress.  They took the note to the principal who reported it to the counselor.  The student involved received counseling and is now doing much better due to Madison and Ashley’s actions. 

Neissel Blasco, 6th Grade, Challenger Middle
Neissel is one of 24 mentors (Teen Trendsetters-Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy) who work one on one with struggling readers.  She works with a 2nd grader who has made excellent progress with Neissel’s help.

Madelyn Connors, 1st Grade, Gulf Elementary
Madelyn found money on the basketball court and immediately turned it into the teacher.  This took great character and honesty.

Amber Eddington, 12th Grade, Mariner High School
Amber, who is a student aide, was more than helpful during a crisis situation.  While the staff was tending to a student having a seizure, Amber kept the other students back so EMS could provide care to the student.  

Amber Gingras, 3rd Grade, Skyline Elementary
Amber cares about her classmates in a loving and selfless way.  A kindergarten student was diagnosed with cancer and his family was beginning to struggle to make ends meet.  The school started a fundraiser but Amber took it much further.  She made a heartfelt video and posted it on her mother’s Face Book page in an effort to raise more money for the student.  After a few weeks of hard work, Amber raised $317 on her own to contribute to this worthy cause.  

Bryon Johnson, Jr., 8th Grade, Challenger Middle School
While attending a recent pep rally, Bryon noticed that a student sitting near him had a nose bleed and needed assistance.   Bryon stopped what he was doing to make sure the student received the proper assistance.

Logan Pakula, Kindergarten, Diplomat Elementary
Logan’s teacher noticed the diamond in her wedding ring missing.  Logan told her he saw something shiny on the floor in the classroom.  He took her to it and sure enough it was the diamond from her ring.  

Selena Their, 1st Grade, Caloosa Elementary
Selena is pro-police and making an impact in the community.  For the past few weeks, Selena has been delivering “Kids Care Buckets” filled with toys, to officers.  Recently, Selena delivered several (15+) “Kids Care Buckets” to some of our officers.  Selena wanted the officers to keep the buckets in their car, in case they were called out, and met a child that needed comforting.

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

(March 17, 2016)-  Two Cape Coral men are behind bars after Cape Coral Police Detective arrested them on drug and weapon charges.

Recently, the Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Unit conducted controlled narcotics purchases from Hargrove and Newland which enabled them to obtain a search warrant for 4625 SE 9th Place #4.

Prior to serving the warrant, the Cape Coral Police Department Street Crimes Unit located Newland on a traffic stop and he was taken into custody on drug charges from a previous heroin sale.  A search of Newland incident to arrest revealed Cocaine and more Heroin.

Yesterday afternoon at around 5:30 PM, the search warrant was executed at the residence with the assistance of Street Crimes Unit and the SWAT team.  The ensuing search revealed trafficking quantities of heroin and cocaine, as well as marijuana, paraphernalia, and two firearms linked to Hargrove, a convicted felon.  One of the guns was confirmed stolen from Collier County over a year ago.

ARRESTED: Jonathan Alexis Hargrove, B/M, DOB: 05-8-1978, of 4625 SW 9th Pl. #4, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: 16-002710 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-003576 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-004372 Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana <20g,   Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (2 counts)

ARRESTED: Jonathan Alexis Hargrove, B/M, DOB: 05-8-1978, of 4625 SW 9th Pl. #4, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: 16-002710 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-003576 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-004372 Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana <20g,   Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (2 counts)

RRESTED: Joshua Michael Newland ,W/M, DOB: 9-27-1992, of 930 SW 34th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: 16-002710 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-004382 Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin

ARRESTED: Joshua Michael Newland ,W/M, DOB: 9-27-1992, of 930 SW 34th St., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: 16-002710 Sale of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, 16-004382 Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin

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