(October 23, 2016)-  A driver involved in a Saturday night traffic crash succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

On October 22nd at around 7:30 PM, Cape Coral Police responded to a single vehicle crash in the 3500 block of Country Club Boulevard. The driver, Ronald Burge, 59 of Cape Coral, suffered life-threatening head injuries after being ejected from his motor scooter and was trauma alerted to a local hospital. Mr. Burge passed away as a result of his injuries the following day.

The preliminary synopsis of the Major Crash Investigaror is below:

DATE: October 22, 2016
TIME: 7:30 pm
LOCATION: 3500 block Country Club Boulevard
CR: 16-016857
ASSIGNED MCI: M/Cpl. A. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1: 2015 Bentelli Motorscooter.
DRIVER 1: Ronald Alan Burge, W/M, DOB: 4-2-1957, of 1105 SE 5th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33990.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Burge suffered life-threatening, and later fatal, head injuries in the traffic crash.

SYNOPSIS: Vehicle 1, a 2015 Bentelli Motorscooter, was traveling north on Country Club Boulevard in the 3500 block in the outside lane.  The vehicle drifted to the right and drove off the roadway.  The bottom right of the vehicle struck a large rock in a grassy area off the edge of the roadway which caused the driver to lose control.  The vehicle high-sided (turned clockwise and ejected the driver forward) causing the driver to strike his head on the roadway.  The vehicle flipped and came to rest off the edge of the roadway.  The driver came to rest partly in the roadway.  Lee County EMS trauma alerted the male driver to a local hospital by ambulance.

At the hospital it was determined that the driver suffered a life threatening brain injury.  At 11:59 AM on 10-23-16, the driver of Vehicle 1 died at the hospital.  MCI officers A. Satterlee and D. Gray, Victim Advocate, and Forensics personnel responded.  The driver of Vehicle 1 WAS wearing a helmet at the time of the traffic crash.  This traffic crash IS alcohol/drug related.  No living relatives could be located for Mr. Burge.

***There are 7 traffic fatalities and 26 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: 7 Traffic fatalities, 3 DUI related (26 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

(October 24, 2016) - The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Tuesday, October 25, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Oasis Boulevard
• Cape Coral Parkway
• School Zones (Citywide)

ocations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(October 25, 2016) - The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Wednesday, October 26, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Andalusia Boulevard
• SW 20th Avenue
• Eldorado Parkway

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(October 26, 2016)-  A traffic stop for an expired license plate led to the discovery of drugs and a concealed 9mm handgun.

On the night of October 25th, Cape Coral Police stopped a vehicle at the 200 block of NE 17th Avenue for an expired tag. Contact was made with the driver, Ignacio Albernas (DOB: 11-6-95), and probable cause was developed to open a narcotics investigation. The investigation led to the discovery of marijuana, marijuana wax, a marijuana grinder, and an illegally concealed 9mm handgun under the front seat. Albernas was additionally driving on a suspended license.

Albernas was placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, knowingly driving on a suspended license, and unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm. He was transported to the Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Ignacio R. Albernas, H/M, DOB: 11-6-1995, of 2201 NE 15th Avenue, Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License, Unlawfully Carrying Concealed Weapon
CR: 16-017037

ARRESTED: Ignacio R. Albernas, H/M, DOB: 11-6-1995, of 2201 NE 15th Avenue, Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License, Unlawfully Carrying Concealed Weapon
CR: 16-017037

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

(October 26, 2016)-  A driver who crashed into three parking signs in the hospital parking lot while "nodding off" on heroin crash landed himself in jail.

On October 25th, Cape Coral police officers responded to the Cape Coral Hospital Emergency Room parking lot at 636 Del Prado Boulevard South for a single vehicle crash. The investigation revealed that the driver, Keith Paulick (DOB: 2-7-80) had injected heroin, then "nodded off" and crashed his vehicle into three parking signs. There was an unresponsive male In the vehicle with Paulick, as well as heroin, prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

The passenger was hospitalized for minor injuries, while Paulick was placed under arrest for possession of heroin, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, and 3 counts of driving under the influence with property damage. He was transported to the Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Keith E. Paulick, W/M, DOB: 2-7-1980, of 1765 Four Mile Cove Parkway, Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence w/Property Damage (3 counts)
CR: 16-017029

ARRESTED: Keith E. Paulick, W/M, DOB: 2-7-1980, of 1765 Four Mile Cove Parkway, Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence w/Property Damage (3 counts)
CR: 16-017029

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

(October 26, 2016) - The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Thursday, October 27, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Country Club Boulevard
• Veterans Memorial Parkway
• SE 17th Place

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(October 27, 2016) - On November 2, 2016, officers from the Cape Coral Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00 AM on November 2, 2016 at McDonald's located at 2925 SW Pine Island Rd. and runs until 10:00 AM. 

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Cape Coral’s neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We are hoping to build on the tremendous success of our previous “Coffee With a Cop” events and bring this event to a new location to talk with different folks about whatever is on their minds…and drink coffee.” - Lieutenant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. 

Click on the link below to download the Coffee With a Cop Announcement Flyer:

Coffee With a Cop Flyer

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

(October 27, 2016) - The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Friday, October 28, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Hancock Bridge Parkway
• Chiquita Boulevard
• School Bus Stops (Citywide)

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness,  encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(October 27, 2016)-  NFL Star, Ben Roethlisberger has made a big donation that will help the Cape Coral Police Department keep citizens safer.

On October 13th, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl Quarterback and Findlay, OH native, Ben Roethlisberger, announced the third and fourth grants of the 2016 season from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The Foundation announced that it was  distributing grants to the Cape Coral Police Department and the Davie Police Department.

Today, the Cape Coral Police Department was presented with a check, care of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, from the The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation in the amount of $9,974.  The Cape Coral Police Department will use this grant to build a new obedience obstacle course to assist with the training of its K-9 Unit.

During the 2016 NFL season, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is distributing grants to K-9 units of police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. The Foundation will also distribute several grants to the Pittsburgh area. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.

This marks the 10th season that the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has distributed grants to K-9 units. The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Roethlisberger and the Foundation also support Make-A-Wish.

The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed more than $170,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2015 NFL season, including $93,250 in the Pittsburgh community. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.5 million since 2007.

Lieutenant Dana Coston, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Officer said, “Police K-9 are the pro-athletes of the dog world. Keeping our K-9 partners in top form requires daily training and agility equipment is one of the best tools we have to keep our K-9s fit, agile, and ready for anything. I’d like to thank the officers of our K-9 Unit, Officers Jason Matyas, Bob Reese, and Brian Aponte, without whose expertise we would not have even been able to apply for this grant. Thank you to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for making this possible. This generous donation will help our K-9s continue to keep the citizens of Cape Coral, and the officers who protect them, safer every day.” 

In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Roethlisberger said, “We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.”

Fans of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation can support future K-9 grants by joining Ben’s crowdfunding campaign on https://pledgeit.org/big-ben. Big Ben is pledging $1,000 per touchdown this season to his foundation. Supporters can increase the impact by pledging to donate any amount per touchdown.

For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Charisse Browner or visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org.

About Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger is in his 13th season as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was selected for the 2016 Pro Bowl game—the fourth selection of his career. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he is aptly referred to as Big Ben, and has become known for big performances and humble approach. Roethlisberger is one of only 10 starting quarterbacks to win two or more Super Bowls. In 2009, he led the Steelers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Tampa with a thrilling touchdown pass in the final seconds. In 2006, Roethlisberger became the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Detroit. Roethlisberger earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and his fourth overall selection in 2015 (2007, 2011, 2014-15), and already holds most of the passing records for the Steelers. He is the only quarterback to lead his team to the conference championship game in each of his first two seasons. He was the unanimous Rookie of the Year in 2004, breaking Dan Marino’s rookie records for completion percentage and passer rating, and was the first quarterback in NFL history to compile a 13-0 regular season record as a rookie.

Roethlisberger was raised in Findlay, OH and was a three-sport star at Findlay High School. He went on to set nearly every quarterback record at Miami University (Ohio) prior to foregoing his senior season and becoming the 11th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Roethlisberger resides near Pittsburgh with his wife Ashley, daughter Baylee, sons Benjamin and Bodie, and dog Remy. 

About The Giving Back Fund

The Giving Back Fund (GBF) is a national public charity that creates and professionally manages charitable foundations and other philanthropic programs for athletes, entertainers, business entrepreneurs, and corporations. Since our founding in 1997, GBF has created an important niche in expanding and diversifying philanthropy, particularly among young people, women and people of color. Our unique structure allows donors to direct more of their charitable dollars to causes they care about and less to administrative overhead. To date, The Giving Back Fund has provided philanthropic consulting, management and programming to more than 200 athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and other high net worth individuals. GBF has overseen the distribution of more than $30,000,000 in charitable grants within the United States and other countries, and has developed dozens of unique scholarship, mentoring, medical, arts, and other philanthropic programs. For additional information, please visit www.givingback.org.

PHOTO:  The Cape Coral Police Department K9 Unit, Special Operations Lieutenant along with Chief Dave Newlan and Police Grant Writer Shannon Northorp, accept the grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, presented by the Cape Coral Community Foundation.  (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

(October 28, 2016)-  A second arrest has been made regarding a fatal crash on Pine Island Road that occurred in April.

Last week Cape Coral Police arrested the driver of Vehicle 1, Michael Getts, for DUI Manslaughter (among other charges).  Today at 3:54 PM, the driver of Vehicle 2, Francis Paulette III, 21 of North Fort Myers, was charged with Driving Under the Influence having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over 0.150.

The investigation determined that Paulette did not contribute or cause the traffic crash (his vehicle was struck by Vehicle 1).  During the investigation it was determined that Paulette had a medical blood alcohol content of 0.203 at the time of the traffic crash. Paulette met with Major Crash Investigator M.Cpl. Satterlee today, was issued a criminal court date (Notice to Appear), and released.  The State Attorney's Office was notified and approved of this course of action.

NO PHOTO (MUGSHOT) AVAILABLE

ARRESTED: Francis George Paulette III, B/M, DOB: 5-15-1996, of North Fort Myers, FL.
CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence with BAC 0.150 or Higher
CR#: 16-005869

Link to previous news release is below:

DUI Arrest Made Related to Past Fatal Traffic Crash

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

(October 28, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Monday, October 31, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Kismet Parkway
• Hancock Bridge Parkway
• Skyline Boulevard

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(October 31, 2016)- Cape Coral Police are seeking a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred at around 11:15am today, at the Busey Bank located at 2524 Del Prado Boulevard South.

CCPD Patrol, K-9 and Aviation responded to the area in search of the suspect, a white female described as 5'7", wearing a black hoodie printed with "This Is The Cartel" and a silhouette of Ohio, blue jeans and white rimmed sunglasses. The suspect did not display any weapon during the course of the robbery, and fled on foot westbound on SE 25th Lane. Still photographs of the suspect are below. If anyone has any information or sees anyone matching the description of the suspect, please call the Cape Coral Police Department at (239) 574-3223 or 9-1-1.

Still photographs of suspect in bank robbery of Busey Bank, 2524 Del Prado Blvd. South.

Still photographs of suspect in bank robbery of Busey Bank, 2524 Del Prado Blvd. South.

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

(October 31, 2016)- The city of Cape Coral is sponsoring a student-driven video contest to educate about bicycle and pedestrian safety.

 As part of Cape Coral’s bicycle and pedestrian safety initiative, Cape Coral Bike-Ped volunteers and the City are sponsoring a PSA video contest for Lee County middle and high school students.  “BikeWalkSafely2Live” is an opportunity for students to produce public service announcements on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and win up to $1,000 for school media equipment or bike/pedestrian safety initiatives. The “BikeWalkSafely2Live” PSA video contest deadline is fast approaching; the deadline to submit video entries is Friday, November 18. 

The contest is funded through a $16,000 grant from the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition.  The goal of the contest is to encourage students to create educational public service announcements to help increase public awareness about bicycle and pedestrian safety laws.

For more information on BikeWalkSafely2Live, please see the below attached file.

BikeWalkSafely2Live Press Release

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

(October 31, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Santa Barbara Boulevard
• NE 7th Place
• School Bus Stops (Citywide)

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(November 1, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Del Prado Boulevard
• Cornwallis Parkway
• Burnt Store Road

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(November 1, 2016)- Applications for the Cape Coral Police Department's 2016 "Shop With A Cop" event are now open.

A tradition in the Cape Coral Police Department is a program dubbed “Shop With A Cop”. The event is sponsored by the Cape Coral Police Department's "Do The Right Thing" program, which allows officers to spend some positive one-on-one time with Cape Coral’s children whose families are having financial issues. December 23, 2016 will mark the Cape Coral Police Department’s 14th annual “Shop With a Cop” event. 

Each year, the department chooses approximately 35-40 students to participate in the program. Students who are chosen to participate receive a Wal-Mart gift card. Students are picked up by their police escorts and taken to the store. There, with the help of their police officer escorts, the students select gifts for each family member as well as something special for themselves.

After shopping, the students and officers head to the police department headquarters, wrap the presents and enjoy a free lunch before being taken back home with their presents.

The “Do the Right Thing” program reinforces the idea of sharing and giving and promotes the idea that role models of all ages are crucial to the development of our youth. The positive one-on-one experience each student will get from “Shop with a Cop” is one that is never forgotten.

The Cape Coral Police Department is now accepting applications for this year’s “Shop with a Cop”. The event will take place Friday, December 23.

To nominate a child, parents should pick up a nomination form at the Cape Coral Police Department lobby or print the form from the below link.

To qualify:

• Child must be available on Friday, December 23rd to shop. 
• Child must be in grade Kindergarten through 12th grade. 
• Child and family must live in Cape Coral. 

Application, liability release and photo release must be received no later than Tuesday, November 15th at:

Cape Coral Police Department
1100 Cultural Park Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33990
Attn: Shop with a Cop
(the application may be mailed or dropped off)

If your application is chosen you will be notified by phone no later than Wednesday, November 23rd. 

Shop With A Cop Flyer

2016 Shop With A Cop Application Packet

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

(November 2, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Thursday, November 3, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Santa Barbara Boulevard
• Del Prado Boulevard Extension
• Surfside Boulevard

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(November 2, 2016)-  CCPD detectives have made arrests in the Busey Bank robbery from October 31st.

Quickly after the robbery at Busey Bank at 2524 Del Prado Boulevard South on October 31, 2016, CCPD detectives were able to develop Christian Miller, 19, and Hayley Pettrey, 17, as suspects in the case. Pettrey was a listed runaway out of Ohio, and Miller had an active warrant for interfering with custody (running away with Pettrey). U.S. Marshals located the pair in Lake City, Florida, and Columbia County served warrants written by Cape Coral detectives on both Miller and Pettrey.

The original news release is below:

Cape Coral Police Seek Suspect in Midday Bank Robbery

ARRESTED: Christian Miller, W/M, DOB: 8-1-1997, of 1965 Woodruff Drive, Painsville OH 44077
CHARGES: Robbery
CR#: 16-017377

ARRESTED: Christian Miller, W/M, DOB: 8-1-1997, of 1965 Woodruff Drive, Painsville OH 44077
CHARGES: Robbery
CR#: 16-017377

NO PHOTO (MUGSHOT) AVAILABLE

ARRESTED: Hayley Pettrey, W/F, DOB: 2-12-1999, of 476 Morgan Drive, Painsville OH 44077
CHARGES: Robbery
CR#: 16-017377

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

(November 3, 2016)- The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit is providing this notice as part of our continuing efforts to increase traffic safety awareness and education, and to emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads here in Cape Coral.

On Friday, November 4, 2016, the Traffic Unit will conduct enforcement operations at at least one of the following three locations:

• Country Club Boulevard
• Pine Island Road
• Gleason Parkway

Locations are selected based upon traffic crash data and citizen complaints. The Cape Coral Police Department is committed to promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement. 

Visible enforcement, focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, and aggressive driving, or criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving, increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. 

The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit and Officers assigned to the Patrol Bureau enforce traffic laws every day through the issuance of Uniform Traffic Citations (tickets) and through the use of warnings (written or verbal). The Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road.

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

(November 3, 2016)- The driver in a parking lot hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian has been sentenced to prison.

On October 11, 2016, Gerald Gray, 56 of Fort Myers, was sentenced in the hit-and-run crash that occurred on October 21, 2015 at the RaceTrac gas station located at 2607 Del Prado Boulevard South. The crash killed pedestrian Donnell Strum, 83 of Cape Coral. Gray pled no contest to charges of leaving the scene of an accident causing death, as well as knowingly driving on a suspended license, and was sentenced to the following:

• 4 years state prison for leaving the scene of accident causing death (minimum mandatory 4 years)
• 1 year state prison for knowingly driving on a suspended license (runs concurrent with 4 year sentence)
• 3 years of state probation upon release
• 100 hours of community service
• LIFETIME suspended license
• Additional fines and court costs

Previous news releases are linked below:

UPDATE: Cape Coral Police Make an Arrest in Hit-and-Run Fatality

UPDATED: Cape Coral Police Department Investigating Hit-and-Run Fatality Crash

UPDATE: Cape Coral Police Department Still Seeking Hit-and-Run Driver; Release Identity of Deceased

ARRESTED: Gerald Gray, B/M, DOB: 5-5-1960, of 4641 Gibson Circle, Fort Myers FL.
CHARGES: Leaving Scene of Accident Causing Death, Driving on a Suspended License (Knowingly)
R#: 15-005978

ARRESTED: Gerald Gray, B/M, DOB: 5-5-1960, of 4641 Gibson Circle, Fort Myers FL.
CHARGES: Leaving Scene of Accident Causing Death, Driving on a Suspended License (Knowingly)
CR#: 15-005978

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