(August 15, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is taking action to help Baton Rouge Police affected by recent devastating flooding.

Record rainfall in the region has led to catastrophic flooding that has left a large number of the Baton Rouge Police force displaced and without many of the basic necessities.

Not only are Baton Rouge officers still grieving from the senseless killing of their fellow officers a few weeks ago…they are now dealing with historic, devastating flooding in their region.

Many of the officers and communications personnel of the Baton Rouge PD reside in the neighboring towns of Denham Springs and Walker, Louisiana. These two towns are, in the words of one Baton Rouge officer we spoke to, “destroyed.” Water rose so fast that many of the officers have nothing left.

Starting today, the Cape Coral Police Department is taking up a collection within its own ranks for items of necessity to donate.  Things like:

• Undershirts (new in the package) various sizes (men & women)
• Underwear (new in the package) various sizes (men & women)
• Deodorant
• Socks (new and in package)  various sizes (men & women)
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby formula (non-perishable)

Should members of the public wish to join us in lending a hand to the men and women of the Baton Rouge Police Department, we will place collection a collection bin in the lobby of the Cape Coral Police Department today, running through Friday.  Items will then be inspected, sorted, and shipped on Saturday.

"Like us after a hurricane or tropical storm, they are working around the clock disregarding the comforts of their own families and loved ones. They are going to be in need of the essentials to continue working to protect their community: socks, underwear, t-shirts, detergent, soap, stuff for their kids, etc.," said Captain Tony Sizemore, Cape Coral Police Department Patrol Bureau.

"Weeks ago we said that we stood with Baton Rouge and we meant it.  This agency is going to do more than post a picture on Facebook.  Given the outpouring of support we have seen in recent weeks, I suspect we won't be alone" said Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

UPDATE:  The Chester Street Resource Center has been added as a collection site for donations.  It is located at 4816 Chester St., Cape Coral, FL.  The Cape Coral Police Department has also partnered with Sip and Send for packing and shipping.  Sip and Send will also serve as a collection site for donations.  Sip and Send is located at 2135 Santa Barbara Blvd. S.

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

(August 16, 2016)-  What started as a traffic crash investigation ended tragically with one of the drivers committing suicide at the scene.

At around 9:30 AM, Cape Coral Police Department responded to the intersection of Del Prado Boulevard and SE 47 Terrace on a 2 vehicle crash with injuries and road blockage.

As the first officer arrived on scene, he exited his patrol car to make contact with the drivers to check on their condition.  As the officer approached the driver’s door, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Laurence Kavanaugh, W/M, 52, of Cape Coral, killed himself with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. It appears at this time that the bullet, or fragments thereof, struck the officer in the chest.  Thankfully, the officer was protected by his bullet-resistant vest.

Additional units responded to the scene including Patrol, Investigative Services Bureau Detectives and Forensics, Victim Advocates, and Police Volunteer Units.  Traffic was shut down in both directions until shortly after noon with numerous units assisting with traffic direction.  A Ping4alert was sent warning drivers to avoid the area.

The other driver in the crash was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.  The officer was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, but did not suffer any injuries.

The crash is being investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit.  The death investigation is being investigated by the Investigative Services Bureau and is ongoing at this time.  Next of kin have been notified.

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

(August 18, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is bringing cutting-edge active shooter training to the citizens of Cape Coral.

ALICE-certified instructors from the Cape Coral Police Department Training Unit will be conducting ALICE Training FREE OF CHARGE for the citizens of Cape Coral on August 31, 2016 from 6:00 -8:00 PM, here at Cape Coral Police Department headquarters.

ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate and is a useful strategy for everyone: law enforcement, schools, universities, hospitals, businesses, and places of worship.  ALICE is in line with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

ALICE Training instructor led classes provide preparation and a plan for individuals and organizations on how to more proactively handle the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter event. Whether it is an attack by an individual person or by an international group of professionals intent on conveying a political message through violence, ALICE Training option based tactics have become the accepted response, versus the traditional “lockdown only” approach.

Class size is limited to 35 people.  Additional sessions will be offered depending on demand.  To register, contact Rhonda Kemerer in our training unit at rkemerer@capecoral.net or at (239) 242-3348.

PHOTO:  ALICE Training institute 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 18, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are asking for your help identifying burglary and fraud suspects.

On June 28, 2016, Cape Coral Police responded to a past occurred burglary at 1341 NE Van Loon Terrace.

The suspect(s) broke the back sliding glass door of the victim’s residence to make entry.

The victim had several credit cards stolen and they were successfully used at several locations in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Below are still photos of three (3) black males who attempted to use one of the stolen credit cards on June 28th at the Game Stop Store inside the Edison Mall in Ft. Myers, Florida.  The credit card was attempted and declined three (3) times before the black males left the store.

Please take a look at the photos below.  If you have any information on the identity of the suspects, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip. Go to www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip- text CCPD+"Your Message" to CRIMES (274637). Finally, you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

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

(August 18, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police are investigating a Tuesday morning traffic crash with serious injury involving a bicyclist.

Around 6:45 AM Tuesday morning, Cape Coral Police responded to a crash at the intersection of Chiquita Boulevard and SW Pine Island Rd.  A Toyota pickup truck struck a bicyclist at the intersection.

The bicyclist, identified as Damian Robert Willard, W/M, 22, of Cape Coral, Florida sustained a serious head injury and was trauma-alerted to a local hospital.  The investigation is ongoing.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE: August 16, 2016
TIME: 6:44 AM
LOCATION: Chiquita Boulevard and SW Pine Island Road             
CR#: 16-013030
ASSIGNED MCI: Officer Danny W. Gray Jr.

VEHICLE 1: Black 2014 Toyota Tundra.
DRIVER 1: Emilus Victor, B/M, 57, of Naples, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: None

BICYCLIST: Damian Robert Willard, W/M, 22, of Cape Coral, Florida.
BICYCLIST INJURIES: Willard suffered a life threatening head injury.

SYNOPSIS:  Vehicle 1 was traveling West on SR 78 SW Pine Island Rd approaching the intersection with Chiquita Blvd. Vehicle 1 came to a stop for a red light in its direction of travel and in the inside lane. A bicyclist was traveling North on Chiquita Blvd S in the outside lane and approaching the intersection with SR 78 SW Pine Island Rd. The bicyclist started across SR 78 SW Pine Island Rd with a green light in its direction of travel.  The signal light for North traffic changed to red after the bicyclist crossed into the intersection and the light for West traffic changed to green. Vehicle 1 began to move forward into the intersection. The front left portion of Vehicle 1 collided with the bicyclist. The bicyclist was knocked off of the bicycle and came to rest on the roadway; the bicycle came to rest under the front bumper of Vehicle 1. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.  

The bicyclists injuries were not initially thought to be life threatening, however, during transport to the hospital in an ambulance his condition worsened. The bicyclist was trauma-alerted to a local hospital with a life-threatening head injury.

Major Crash Investigator Officer D. Gray responded and the investigation is ongoing. The next-of-kin HAS BEEN notified.  This traffic crash is not alcohol/drug related. 

***There are 5 traffic fatalities and 20 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 6 years FYI:

2016: 5 Traffic fatalities, 2 DUI related (20 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 medical ruled death)

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)

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

(August 19, 2016)-  The week-long donation drive to assist Baton Rouge Police Officers who are recovering from historic flooding surpassed expectations.

Bay late Friday afternoon, Donations of toiletries, clothing, diapers, and more totaled over a ton, throwing a monkey wrench into the plan...shipping.  With so much to ship, it quickly became cost prohibitive.  Captain Sizemore of the Cape Coral Police Department Patrol Bureau reached out to the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association, Police Benevolent Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33 for help.

This afternoon, officers loaded up a truck and volunteers will head out bright and early tomorrow morning to drive the donations to Baton Rouge Police Headquarters.  Captain Sizemore spoke about the collection drive during a Facebook Live broadcast earlier today:

The Cape Coral Police Department is no longer accepting donated items here at the PD.  Citizens who might still wish to contribute can do so by direct shipping items or purchasing items online and using the address below as the receiving address:

Baton Rouge Police Department
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815
Attn: Lieutenant Duren Boyce

"We want to thank everyone for making this impromptu drive a success.  We expected a few boxes and a trip to the store to ship it.  This community reached out in a meaningful way that will enable the men and women of the Baton Rouge PD to continue doing the hard, grueling work of disaster recovery while suffering devastating losses themselves."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

Link to original news release: UPDATED: Cape Coral Police Department Pitching in to Help Baton Rouge Officers

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

(August 19, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department is once again participating in the annual Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.  Starting Friday, August 19th and running  through midnight September 5, 2016, Cape Coral Police Officers will be focusing enforcement efforts on impaired driving.  You can expect to see a noticeable increase in traffic enforcement during this 2-week period.

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

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

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

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

(August 22, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives are working a homicide investigation in NE Cape Coral.

Last night around 1:20 AM, Cape Coral Police responded to a residence in the 1200 block of NE 23 Terrace on a suspicious circumstances call.

Responding officers found a man, identified as Dayvin K. Johnson, B/M, 39, of 1216 NE 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Investigators have been working this case since that time and have classified this as a homicide.  Investigators have determined that this was not a random incident and do not believe there is a danger to the general public.

The investigation is ongoing.  Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

This is the 5th homicide in Cape Coral in 2016. 

Homicide numbers in Cape Coral for the last 10 years, FYI:

• 2006:  6
• 2007:  5
• 2008:  7
• 2009:  3
• 2010:  3
• 2011:  3
• 2012:  4
• 2013:  3
• 2014:  4
• 2015:  0

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

(August 25, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police have arrested three people in connection to a Monday morning shooting in NE Cape Coral.

Overnight, Cape Coral Police Detectives arrested 3 subjects on charges of robbery, homicide, and burglary, in connection to the shooting death of Dayvin K. Johnson, B/M, 39, of 1216 NE 23rd Terrace early Monday morning.

Ivan M. Webb II, 23; Mariano St. Louis, 23; and Parker D. Zapata, 19 were taken into custody by detectives and booked at the Lee County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.  Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

ARRESTED: Ivan M. Webb II, W/M, DOB: 05-30-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Ivan M. Webb II, W/M, DOB: 05-30-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Mariano NMN St. Louis, B/M, DOB: 01-06-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery, Occupied Burglary
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Mariano NMN St. Louis, B/M, DOB: 01-06-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery, Occupied Burglary
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Parker D. Zapata, W/M, DOB: 03-22-1997, of 2221 NE 15th Ln., Cape Coral
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Parker D. Zapata, W/M, DOB: 03-22-1997, of 2221 NE 15th Ln., Cape Coral
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

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

(August 26, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police Detectives have arrested a fourth suspect in Monday’s NE Cape Coral homicide.

Yesterday afternoon, detectives arrested Rodney Charles, B/M, DOB: 11-15-97, of 1342 SE 2nd Ave. Apt. #1, for charges of Homicide and Robbery.

Charles was located with the assistance of the US Marshal's Task Force and was taken into custody.  He was booked at the Lee County Jail.

Investigation revealed that the homicide occurred as the result of a drug deal gone bad. Charles and the other suspects, Webb, St. Louis, and Zapata, went to the home of Dayvin Johnson with the intent of robbing Johnson of marijuana.  Webb and Parker stayed in the car while Charles, armed with a .22 rifle, and St. Louis, went to the residence.  There was a confrontation with Johnson.  Johnson took flight and was shot outside the home by Charles.  St. Louis entered the home with the intent to steal marijuana.  The suspects then fled the scene and got rid of the gun in a wooded area in Matlacha.  The gun was recovered by Cape Coral Police Detectives.

"Our detectives have been working tirelessly on this case since the early hours of Monday morning.  Now that all of the suspects have been apprehended, we hope that the family of Dayvin Johnson can grieve and begin the healing process and that the neighborhood that was rocked by this incident can feel more safe knowing these men are behind bars," Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: Rodney NMN Charles, B/M, DOB: 11-15-1997, of 1342 SE 2 Ave. #1, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Rodney NMN Charles, B/M, DOB: 11-15-1997, of 1342 SE 2 Ave. #1, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Ivan M. Webb II, W/M, DOB: 05-30-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Mariano NMN St. Louis, B/M, DOB: 01-06-1993, of 2917 NE 17th Ave., Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery, Occupied Burglary
CR#: 16-013346

ARRESTED: Parker D. Zapata, W/M, DOB: 03-22-1997, of 2221 NE 15th Ln., Cape Coral
CHARGES: Homicide, Robbery
CR#: 16-013346

Links to original news releases: UPDATE: Three Suspects Arrested in Monday Morning Shooting, Cape Coral Police Detectives Working 5th Homicide of the Year

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

(September 2, 2016)-  Police responding to a shots heard call found more than they bargained for early Thursday morning.

At around 3:15 Thursday morning, Cape Coral Police responded to 611 NW 20 St. on a complaint of “shots heard.”

Responding officers made contact with two males in the driveway of the residence (Padron and another unidentified male).  Officers saw the back sliding door shattered through the open front door and conducted a protective sweep of the house.  Inside they located a third male (Hernandez).  Officers also saw a large black garbage bag full of harvested marijuana.  The male was escorted out of the house and a narcotics investigation ensued.

Prior to being detained, one of the males took flight from officers at the scene.  A perimeter was set up in the area with the assistance of LCSO Aviation and K9, but the subject was unable to be located.  The other two subjects were identified as Yhosvany Herrera Padron, 44 and Adrian Morales Hernandez, 24, both of 611 NW 20th Street.

A Cape Coral Police Department Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Detective responded to assist.  The investigation revealed that the house contained equipment for processing marijuana including drying equipment, packaging equipment, and GPS trackers for transportation.  Officers found two additional large garbage bags full of harvested marijuana "bud" on the side of the house.  In total, three bags of harvested marijuana were seized weighing 61 pounds.

Based on the investigation it is believed that Yhosvany Herrera Padron and Adrian Morales Hernandez were the target of a robbery of the 61 pounds of marijuana. Investigators believe that the suspects knew that there was a large amount of marijuana that was going to be transported and waited for it to be brought outside of the house. During the robbery, shots were fired and the suspects in the robbery drove away before being able to steal the marijuana.

Yhosvany Herrera Padron and Adrian Morales Hernandez were both arrested on drug trafficking charges and were transported to the Lee County Jail.

"A drug operation like this can be set up anywhere and it can bring an element that will commit violence and endanger not only those involved in the criminal enterprise, but their innocent neighbors as well."- Det. Sergeant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

ARRESTED: Yhosvany Herrera Padron, H/M, DOB: 12-13-1971, of 611 NW 20th Street, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Trafficking Marijuana
CR#: 16-013875

ARRESTED: Yhosvany Herrera Padron, H/M, DOB: 12-13-1971, of 611 NW 20th Street, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Trafficking Marijuana
CR#: 16-013875

ARRESTED: Adrian Morales Hernandez, H/M, DOB: 08-20-1992, of 611 NW 20th Street, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Trafficking Marijuana
CR#: 16-013875

ARRESTED: Adrian Morales Hernandez, H/M, DOB: 08-20-1992, of 611 NW 20th Street, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Trafficking Marijuana
CR#: 16-013875

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

(September 5, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department will be holding its next "Tweet From the Beat" on Friday, September 9th, 2016, from 4:00 PM to midnight. 

Join Det. Sergeant Coston as he takes you on a virtual ride-along with the men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department, giving you a first-hand look at what Cape Coral looks like from the front seat of a police car.

We will be "tweeting" text, photos, video (using Periscope), and audio (on AudioBoom and Soundcloud) throughout the night. We will also be taking your questions live on Twitter.

It costs nothing to participate. Go to Twitter.com and sign up for a free account if you don't already have one. Then, follow the Cape Coral Police Department on Twitter. We are @CapePD.

• Cape Coral Police Hey Cape Coral, this storm is no joke. Get off the roads for a bit & let this blow over. Headlights on. Stay safe. https://t.co/VRux1EXPry about 4 minutes ago
• Cape Coral Police TRAFFIC ALERT- PD Activity https://t.co/IZ1gsBQocd about an hour ago
• Cape Coral Police BREAKING NEWS: Join the Cape Coral Police Department for Tweet From the Beat This Friday https://t.co/tVvKTQLEmA about 4 hours ago

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

(September 10, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department will conduct another High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation, as part of its Impaired Driving Project, tonight (Saturday, September 10, 2016).

This is the ninth HVE operation since being awarded a second grant from 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 citywide saturation patrol.

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

(September 11, 2016)-  "I believe what shocked us the most that morning was not the unthinkably diabolical method used to attack us, or the scope and magnitude of the attacks.  What was most shocking was that our very way of life was attacked, right here on our own soil.  We asked ourselves, "How could something like this have happened?"  All of us- sons and daughters, husbands and wives, co-workers and friends- were doing nothing out of the ordinary that typical Tuesday morning.  However, to this day I can remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when I heard the tragic news of the attack.  I was working in my patrol car at the intersection of Veterans and Country Club Blvd heading back to headquarters.

Today, on the fifteenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember what was the worst attack on US soil.  We mourn the lives that were lost in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.  We honor the sacrifices made by the first responders who charged into the carnage trying desperately to save anyone they could, and who spent days desperately searching for survivors. Perhaps most importantly, on this day we re-dedicate ourselves to our fellow man; re-committing to protecting our friends and family, neighbors and strangers, and our way of life; living free in our great republic,"  Chief Dave Newlan, 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 12, 2016)-  Cape Coral Police are investigating a crash that occurred just before 8:00 AM this morning in the 800 block of Del Prado that sent a bicyclist to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and shut down southbound traffic for over two hours.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigator is below:

DATE:  September 12, 2016
TIME:  7:53 AM
LOCATION:  800 block Del Prado Boulevard South
CR:  16-014450
ASSIGNED MCI:  M/Cpl. Andrew Satterlee

VEHICLE 1:  Genesis Maxair bicycle.
DRIVER 1: David L. Biasotti, W/M, 45, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES:  Biasotti suffered life threatening head injuries.

VEHICLE 2:  2016 black Dodge Dart.
DRIVER 2: Tamara Medina Moreno, H/F, 48, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES:  Moreno suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.
PASSENGER 1:  Marilyn V. Medina, H/F, 21, of Cape Coral, Florida.
PASSENGER 1 INJURIES:  Medina suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS: Vehicle 1, a bicyclist, was stopped on the East side of Del Prado Boulevard on the sidewalk, approximately 120 feet South of the intersection of Viscaya Parkway.  Vehicle 2 was stopped on Del Prado Boulevard in the inside lane facing South at the red light of Viscaya Parkway.  According to a witness, the bicyclist rode his bicycle across the North lanes of Del Prado Boulevard (to the West) with traffic stopped.  The bicyclist then drove onto the median and then into the inside South lane of Del Prado Boulevard.  Unbeknownst to the bicyclist, Vehicle 2 has started South on a green light.  The bicyclist drove directly in front of South traffic and in front of Vehicle 2.  The front of Vehicle 2 struck the right side of the bicyclist.  The bicycle rider struck the hood and windshield and came to final rest in the middle South lane of Del Prado Boulevard.  Vehicle 2 came to rest in the inside lane.

Lee County EMS and CCFD responded and trauma alerted the bicyclist to a local hospital with multiple life threatening injuries.  The bicyclist is listed in critical condition with a head injury.  The bicyclist WAS NOT wearing a helmet.  MCI officers Satterlee and C. Mills responded.  Forensics personnel and Victim Advocate also responded.  It is unknown if this traffic crash was alcohol/drug related at this time.  The next-of-kin for the bicyclist HAS NOT been contacted (we are having a difficult time locating one).

***There are 5 traffic fatalities and 21 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 6 years FYI:

• 2016: 5 Traffic fatalities, 2 DUI related (21 MCI usages) (this number DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 medical ruled death)
• 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)

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

(September 13, 2016)- A traffic stop for running a stop sign resulted in 3 arrests, coke and a gun seized, and one person charged for battering a Cape Coral Police Officer.

Last night, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 4600 block of Country Club Boulevard for a stop sign violation.  The officer saw baggies of contraband being thrown out of the car before it finally came to a stop.

Officers were able to note the location of the contraband and four bags of cocaine were recovered.  A narcotics investigation and a DUI investigation were conducted leading to the driver (Baker) and both passengers (Coppens and Smith) being arrested.

Smith, a passenger in the car, provided a false name to officers and had an active warrant for his arrest for Failure to Appear.  During the investigation he struck one of the officers at the scene.  He was charged accordingly.

A Kahr CW40 .40 caliber handgun was recovered from under the driver’s seat.  The driver, Baker, was additionally charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

ARRESTED: Deegan F. Baker, W/M, DOB:06-01-1985, of 4166 Castilla Cir. #106, Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI - Refusal, Carrying Concealed Firearm
CR#: 16-014505

ARRESTED: Deegan F. Baker, W/M, DOB:06-01-1985, of 4166 Castilla Cir. #106, Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: DUI - Refusal, Carrying Concealed Firearm
CR#: 16-014505

ARRESTED: Benjamin M. Coppens, W/M, DOB: 10-24-1986, of 6936 Essex Dr., Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine
CR#: 16-014505

ARRESTED: Benjamin M. Coppens, W/M, DOB: 10-24-1986, of 6936 Essex Dr., Ft. Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine
CR#: 16-014505

ARRESTED: Mark S. Smith, W/M, 03-23-1986, of 313 Cape Coral Pkwy E. #4, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Battery LEO, False Name to LEO, Warrant – FTA
CR#: 16-014505

ARRESTED: Mark S. Smith, W/M, 03-23-1986, of 313 Cape Coral Pkwy E. #4, Cape Coral, FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Battery LEO, False Name to LEO, Warrant – FTA
CR#: 16-014505

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

(September 13, 2016)-  The Cape Coral Police Department has a new Deputy Chief of Police.

Lisa Barnes, a 24 year veteran of the Cape Coral Police Department, was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief of Police yesterday by Chief Dave Newlan.

Barnes, who had previously served as the Captain overseeing the Investigative Services Bureau, had been serving as Acting Deputy Chief Of Police since the end of May.

"I am pleased to report that I have appointed Lisa Barnes to the position of Deputy Chief effective Monday, September 12, 2016.  Lisahas proven herself to be a highly respected leader in the police department and community over the past 24 years.  She brings a high degree of professionalism and balance to our organization, and will play a significant role in moving our department and city forward," said Chief Dave Newlan.

“I look forward to working with our leadership team to help guide the Cape Coral Police Department into the 21st century.  The Law Enforcement profession is facing many challenges these days and I want the men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department and the citizens we serve to know that we are ready to face them together, in partnership with our community," said Deputy Chief Lisa Barnes.

Deputy Chief Lisa Barnes has been with the Police Department since 1991. Prior to her selection as Deputy Chief, she was the Investigative Services Bureau Commander overseeing Property Crimes, Major Crimes Unit (Persons), Street Crimes Unit, Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Unit (VIN), Special Investigations Unit, Crime Analysis Unit, and Forensics.  She holds a Bachelor's degree from Barry University in Professional Administration as well as a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Barry University.

PHOTO:  Deputy Chief Lisa Barnes.  (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 15, 2016)-  Fraudsters are trying to get your money and this time they are posing as Apple, Inc. to do it.  With millions of iTunes users nationwide, and thousands here in Cape Coral, we want to share this warning.

Con artists are sending convincing looking “receipts” via email to unsuspecting people online for purchases made on Apple’s popular iTunes platform.  The problem is, these receipts are phony, the charges don’t exist, and all of the links take you to somewhere that has nothing to do with Apple.  These guys are so bold, they even sent one to the "Cape Coral Police Department Neighborhood Watch."

Regardless of the company or entity the fraudster is posing as, email scams, also known as "phishing" scams, this try to convince the user that the message is sent from a legitimate source.  They will go to great lengths to make the message appear legitimate, using company fonts, typefaces, and logos, even including links to what looks like the actual company website.  All of this is done in hopes of tricking you into divulging your personal identifying information and credit card information.

Look at the example below:

In this example, the scammers created an official looking email address.  The "receipt" itself looks official and includes what look like legitimate links to Apple's site.  However, by hovering over the links you can see that the link actually takes you to a non-Apple site (every single link in this example goes to a site other than what the link says in blue).  Never click on links in unsolicited emails like this.

In this case, the fraudsters are hoping to trick the user into clicking a link and "logging in" to iTunes and confirming or updating billing information so that they can dispute charges to their account. Except that the site the link takes you to is a fraud, designed to look like iTunes. When you enter your information, the fraudsters now have your username, password, and credit card information.  You've just been "phished" or hacked.

Here are some tips for dealing with e-mail scams:

• Delete email and text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information (credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.). Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email or text.
• The messages may appear to be from organizations you do business with – banks, for example. They might threaten to close your account or take other action if you don’t respond.
• Don’t reply, and don’t click on links or call phone numbers provided in the message, either. These messages direct you to spoof sites – sites that look real but whose purpose is to steal your information so a scammer can run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
• Area codes can mislead, too. Some scammers ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." But a local area code doesn’t guarantee that the caller is local.
• If you’re concerned about your account or need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.

For more information on how to protect yourself from email scams, go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing

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

(September 15, 2016)-  Just when you thought scammers couldn’t get any lower, they exceed your expectations.  A new scam making its way onto computers in SW Florida has scammers posing as “hitmen” saying that they have been paid to kill you and offering you a chance to buy them off.

Detectives in SW Florida are starting to see this scam pop up and want to warn residents before they see this and become alarmed.

“There really are no depths to which these guys won’t sink,” said Det. Sergeant David Gleason of the Cape Coral Police Department Financial Crimes Unit.  “They send this in hopes of generating fear and hope that the victim will overreact emotionally and let their guard down.”

Once that happens, according to Gleason, victims get compromised.

Gleason continued, “If the victim responds, the scammer will then try to arrange a money transfer using a wire transfer or putting money on a “Green Dot” card.  Once that happens, the cash is gone and is virtually impossible to trace or recover.  Most of these criminals are outside the United States.  Another possible avenue of attack is that once the victim responds, the scammer then captures the victim's Internet IP address and targets their personal computer with malware, putting their personal information at risk."

This is a variation on an old email scam that creates a sense of urgency in the mind of the victim by setting up an imaginary crisis that can only be averted if money is sent to this person.

Here are some tips for dealing with e-mail scams:

• Delete email and text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information (credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.). Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email or text.
• The messages may appear to be from organizations you do business with – banks, for example. They might threaten to close your account or take other action if you don’t respond.
• Don’t reply, and don’t click on links or call phone numbers provided in the message, either. These messages direct you to spoof sites – sites that look real but whose purpose is to steal your information so a scammer can run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
• Area codes can mislead, too. Some scammers ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." But a local area code doesn’t guarantee that the caller is local.
• If you’re concerned about your account or need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.

For more information on how to protect yourself from email scams, go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing

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

(September 20, 2016)-  Please join us in congratulating the Cape Coral Police Department SWAT team’s 1st place finish in the 14th Annual Region VI SWAT Competition which was held at the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office gun range in Sebring on September 17th.

Twelve teams which included Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier CERT, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Myers Police Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, Bradenton Police Department, Desoto County Sheriff’s Office, and two Highlands County Sheriff’s Office teams, competed in 4 tactical events and a grueling obstacle course.

A select group of Cape Coral Police Department SWAT operators had been doing additional training for about 6 weeks prior this event which paid off with consistent high placement in each of the 5 stages, putting them several points ahead of the next closest team.

"We should all be proud of our SWAT team as they again showed that they are extremely competent group of professionals that strive to be the best at what they do, " Lieutenant Jack Fulop, Cape Coral Police Department Special Operations Bureau.

PHOTO:  A photo collage of the Cape Coral Police Department swat team and the first place trophy they were awarded on September 17, 2016 at the 14th Annual Region VI SWAT Competition.  (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