(August 31, 2021) - Three members of the Cape Coral Police Department’s command structure received advanced and prestigious training recently, bringing back a wealth of knowledge to our city.

Captain Dana Coston attended the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Executive Leadership Seminar in Daytona, FL. The three-week course was held in three sessions spread over three months, focusing on succeeding through challenges with effective communication; managing organizations, flowing with change and preparing to head an organization; and becoming an effective leader through emotional intelligence and “servant leadership.”

Lieutenant Allan Kolak and Lieutenant Don Donakowski attended the Police Executives Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police in Orlando, a three-week course. They were taught by professors from Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan and Boston College. The class also featured well-known guest speakers such as Ret. Chief Bill Bratton (NYPD and LAPD), Ret. Chief Charles Ramsey (Washington DC and Philadelphia), Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Ret. NYFD Fire Chief Joe Pfeifer. The class was very intense, covering sensitive topics such as diversity in law enforcement, ethics, high liability, community policing, media relations and public speaking during critical times.

Please join us in congratulating Capt. Coston, Lt. Kolak and Lt. Donakowski for their achievements, which will reap rewards both for their professional careers and for the future of the 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 31, 2021) - Realtors, title companies and lot owners should be keenly aware of a current common scam involving illegally and fraudulently selling lots away from unknowing owners.

The Cape Coral Police Department has received numerous complaints of title fraud occurring or being attempted. The scam has shown that suspects are compromising the identities of the legitimate landowners and attempting to sell real property in Cape Coral.  These reports have primarily affected victims living out of the country but have also affected landowners living domestically. These scammers are providing fraudulent documents as identification to impersonate the legitimate owners.

Many of the complaints have been related to vacant unimproved lots located in various sections of the City.  Throughout the numbers investigations our detectives have been able to develop similar trends in each of the listings and subsequent closing transactions.

Here are some things Cape Coral Police Detectives recommend realtors and title companies look out for when being contacted to sell properties:

• The scammers are wanting a valuation of the property and express a desire for a quick sale and closing

• The scammers are asking realtors to list the property below market value

• The scammers are only communicating via text messaging or email, and are typically “unavailable” by telephone

• The scammers are usually unable to answer questions related to the property, such as assessments paid, sea wall, or other improvements.

• Scammers may say they live in one country and have documents “notarized” from another country; the scammers may give wire instructions to an account in a third country different from the previous two

• Check the documents the seller provides for authenticity 

• Foreign-based notarization should include Apostle to help verify legitimacy of identification

• Try to contact the real owners utilizing information from the previous purchase

• Verify IP addresses used to electronically sign documents (examples:  DocuSign, DotLoop, or other similar products) and see if the IP address matches the location of the seller

If you have any questions or believe that you may have been scammed, please email our Financial Crimes Unit at ccpdfraud@capecoral.gov.

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

(September 4, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a high visibility traffic enforcement operation tonight, September 4th, 2021. This is part of our continuing effort to increase traffic safety awareness through education and enforcement. The mission of these operations is to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on the roadways in Cape Coral.

This high visibility traffic enforcement operation will be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers. This operation will be citywide.

Officers will be focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, as well as aggressive driving. Additional focus will be placed on criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving. Visible enforcement increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. The Cape Coral Police Department encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road. If you are impaired, please use a designated driver, ride share app or taxi to avoid the costly fines of a DUI arrest.

###

Please note that the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must announce to the public when DUI checkpoints will be conducted. The publicity is a protection of your rights; in any case, the checkpoint will do its job and keep drunk drivers off the road, either through arrest or deterrence. In the case of grant-funded high visibility traffic enforcement, public announcement is required to obtain grant funding.

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

(September 4, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a second high visibility traffic enforcement operation tonight, September 6th, 2021. This is part of our continuing effort to increase traffic safety awareness through education and enforcement. The mission of these operations is to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on the roadways in Cape Coral.

This high visibility traffic enforcement operation will be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers. This operation will be citywide. The results of the September 4th operation are below.

Officers will be focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, as well as aggressive driving. Additional focus will be placed on criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving. Visible enforcement increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws, and reduces crashes. The Cape Coral Police Department encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road. If you are impaired, please use a designated driver, ride share app or taxi to avoid the costly fines of a DUI arrest.

###

Please note that the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must announce to the public when DUI checkpoints will be conducted. The publicity is a protection of your rights; in any case, the checkpoint will do its job and keep drunk drivers off the road, either through arrest or deterrence. In the case of grant-funded high visibility traffic enforcement, public announcement is required to obtain grant funding.

RESULTS OF SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2021 HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

OPERATION TIME:  1900 hrs – 0200 hrs
OPERATION SUPERVISOR: SGT A. Cody
GRANT FUNDED OFFICERS: SGT Carson, OFC Martini, OFC Myers, & OFC Lowe

ACTIVITY STATS:

TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 31
WARNINGS: 7
SPEED CITATIONS: 9
SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0
MOVING CITATIONS: 15
NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 3
OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0
OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0
.02 VIOLATIONS: 0
CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 4
TOTAL CITATIONS: 27
ARRESTS (NON-DUI): 2
ARRESTS (DUI): 2

The non-DUI arrests were for operating an unregistered vehicle and for operating a motorcycle with no motorcycle endorsement. Both were released from the scene with a court date. The two DUI arrests are as follows:

Officers stopped Reale for speeding at Del Prado Boulevard and Palaco Grande Parkway. Indications of impairment were seen, and the ensuing DUI investigation led to Reale’s arrest and transport to the Lee County Jail. BAC%: Refused.

Officers stopped Kirkon for speeding and exhibition of speed (street racing) at the 1700 block of Cape Coral Parkway East. Signs of impairment were seen, and a subsequent DUI investigation led to Kirkon’s arrest and transport to the Lee County Jail. BAC%: Refused.

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

(September 7, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a high-visibility traffic enforcement operation on September 6th, 2021 with a focus on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations. The operation also sought out aggressive/reckless driving and DUI’s.

The operation was a saturation patrol that was conducted city-wide from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Officers were focused on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road as well as targeting areas with traffic issues that cause crashes. In addition to traffic violations, this operation yielded one arrest for driving under the influence.

Out of the twenty-four traffic stops made, no citations were necessary for seatbelt violations. The Cape Coral Police Department thanks everyone for always wearing your seatbelt.

Below are the detailed results of this operation:

OPERATION TIME:  6pm-1am
OPERATION SUPERVISOR: Sgt. A. Cody
GRANT FUNDED OFFICERS: Ofc. Maduro, Ofc. Cannova, & Ofc. Lowe

ACTIVITY STATS:

TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 24
WARNINGS: 15
SPEED CITATIONS: 2
SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0
MOVING CITATIONS: 7
NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 1
OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0
OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0
.02 VIOLATIONS: 0
CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 3
TOTAL CITATIONS: 13
ARRESTS (NON-DUI): 1
ARRESTS (DUI): 1

The non-DUI arrest was for operating an unregistered motor vehicle and driving on an out-of-state license while their Florida license was suspended. They were released from the scene with a court date. The DUI arrest is below:

Officers stopped Collins at the 900 block of SE 19th Terrace after he failed to maintain his lane, swerving into other lanes and causing other vehicles to need to evade him to avoid a collision. Signs of impairment were seen, and the DUI investigation led to Collins’ arrest. BAC%: .211 / .199

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

(September 10, 2021) - Tips are critically needed in a late night crash where a car hit a man on a bicycle and then left the scene, leaving the victim by the roadside with fatal injuries.

On September 10th, the Cape Coral Police Department received a call of a deceased male in a ditch at the 2300 block of NE Pine Island Road at 7:33 amUpon arrival, officers located the man deceased with obvious injuries from a traffic crash. Based on the evidence, it is believed the man was struck approximately six hours prior in the overnight hours.

“While our very skilled Traffic Homicide Investigators are hard at work with forensic evidence that we believe will lead to locating the vehicle and driver responsible for this crash, the public’s help can be critically important. We are asking the public to please look out for a dark in color Ford Vehicle with passenger side front end damage. The vehicle will have a broken passenger headlight with possible hood and corner panel damage also. If you see a vehicle matching this description, please call the Cape Coral Police Department at (239) 574-3223 immediately.

To the driver of this vehicle: We urge you to turn yourself in out of respect for the victim and his family and for your own benefit in bringing closure to this tragic incident.” ~Master Corporal Phil Mullen, CCPD Public Affairs Office

If you have any information on this case, please call us or send an anonymous tip at www.capecops.com/tips or https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous, send us a message through our social media platforms or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please use case report #21-019534.

The synopsis from the Traffic Homicide Investigator is below:

DATE:   September 10, 2021
TIME:    7:33 am
LOCATION:   2300 block NE Pine Island Road
CR#:      21-019534
ASSIGNED THI:    A/Sgt. A. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1:   **Possible dark colored Ford car**
DRIVER 1:   Unknown

BICYCLE:   Black spray painted (blue and silver underneath) Schwinn bicycle.
BICYCLE RIDER: Identity Withheld (Pending Next-of-kin), 53 year old W/M.
RIDER INJURIES:   The man was located deceased on scene.

SYNOPSIS:

Cape Coral Police Department received the call of a deceased male in a ditch in the 2300 block NE Pine Island Road at 7:33 am. Upon arrival, officers located a man deceased with obvious injuries from a traffic crash.

On scene evidence shows the man was riding his bicycle east on NE Pine Island Road in the paved shoulder area (not in the main travel lane). The bicycle was struck from the rear and the bicycle and rider were ejected off the south edge of the roadway into a nearby ditch. There is no evidence that the vehicle that struck the bicycle stopped on scene. A walker in the area located the man and called police in the daytime hours.

Initial roadside evidence is showing that the suspect vehicle may possibly be a DARK in color, possible FORD vehicle. There is no further descriptive information at this time.

Due to injuries, THI Satterlee and THI Barkley, as well as Forensics personnel responded. It is unknown if this traffic crash is alcohol/drug related. The next-of-kin HAS NOT been located/notified as of this release; CCPD Victim’s Advocates are working to locate family.

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***There are 10 traffic fatalities and 30 MCI usages in our city in 2021. (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 fatality ruled "medical" (i.e. cause of death not related to traffic crash injuries)).

2021: 10 Traffic fatalities, 2 DUI related (30 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled death)
2020: 19 Traffic fatalities, 7 DUI related (54 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death)
2019: 16 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (39 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical ruled deaths)
2018: 10 Traffic fatalities, 3 DUI related (30 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)
2017: 17 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (46 MCI usages)

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

(September 13, 2021) - Two vehicles racing on NE Pine Island Road caused a single vehicle crash that resulted in the driver losing his arm. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The synopsis of the crash from the Major Crash Investigator is as follows:

DATE: September 11, 2021
TIME: 7:20 pm
LOCATION: 1100 NE Pine Island Road
CR#: 21-019670
ASSIGNED MCI: A/Sgt. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1: 2016 blue Ford Mustang, Florida tag
DRIVER 1: Ariel Gonzalez Rodon, H/M, 5-6-75, of Cape Coral, Florida.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Rodon suffered life threatening injuries, including one arm amputation.
PASSENGER: Rafael Perez Martinez, H/M, 9-16-88, of Cape Coral, Florida.
PASSENGER INJURIES: Martinez suffered minor injuries in the traffic crash.

VEHICLE 2: Unknown year dark colored Ford Mustang.

According to witnesses, Vehicle 1 was in the right lane of Pine Island Road, facing West, at the intersection of Del Prado Boulevard. Vehicle 2 was in the left lane directly next to Vehicle 1. Both vehicles were traveling West on NE Pine Island Road racing each other. Witnesses report that both vehicles were going in excess of 100 mph. At the intersection of NE 10th Place, a vehicle traveled South across the intersection and Vehicle 1 swerved left to avoid it. While doing so at the high rate of speed, Vehicle 1 lost control, veered back right, and traveled off the North edge of the roadway. Vehicle 1 traveled 170 feet through the ditch and then exited out the other side where it became airborne. Vehicle 1 traveled 37 feet airborne and then began to roll violently for 185 feet before coming to rest on all four wheels.

A witness and an off duty CCPD officer applied a tourniquet to one arm of the driver of Vehicle 1. Both occupants were trauma alerted by ambulance to Lee Memorial Hospital due to injuries.

MCI Satterlee and Forensics Potts responded to conduct a Major Crash Investigation. At Lee Memorial Hospital it was determined that the driver of Vehicle 1 was rushed into emergency surgery where one arm was amputated. The driver of Vehicle 1 is listed in critical but stable condition. The driver of Vehicle 2 suffered minor injuries in the traffic crash.

It is unknown if alcohol/drugs are involved in this traffic crash. The next of kin has been notified. This case is pending further investigation and potential criminal charges.

***There are 10 traffic fatalities and 31 MCI usages in our city in 2021. (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 fatality ruled "medical" (i.e. cause of death not related to traffic crash injuries)).

2021: 10 Traffic fatalities, 2 DUI related (31 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled death)

2020: 19 Traffic fatalities, 7 DUI related (54 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death)

2019: 16 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (39 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical ruled deaths)

2018: 10 Traffic fatalities, 3 DUI related (30 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)

2017: 17 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (46 MCI usages)

2016: 11 Traffic fatalities, 4 DUI related (35 MCI usages)

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

(September 16, 2021) - In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, the Cape Coral Police Department will conduct High Visibility Enforcement Details (HVE) during the period of October 1st, 2021 and May 14th, 2022 within the Cape Coral city limits. 

Lee County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. In Cape Coral, between October 2nd, 2020 and September 15th, 2021 there were 134 traffic crashes involving bicycles or pedestrians (74 of which were pedestrian-only) and 4 fatalities (3 pedestrians and 1 bicycle).

High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida and the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. 

The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances. 

Remember: 

• Drivers - obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

• Bicyclists - obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night. 

• Pedestrians - cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night. 

If we all do our part, we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by violating laws that govern pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.

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

(September 20, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation on September 20th, 2021. This is part of our continuing effort to increase traffic safety awareness through education and enforcement. The mission of these operations is to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roadways in Cape Coral.

This DUI enforcement operation will be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers. This operation will be citywide.

The primary focus of this operation will be placed on criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving. Officers will also be focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, as well as aggressive driving. Visible enforcement increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws and reduces crashes. The Cape Coral Police Department encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road. If you are impaired, please use a designated driver, ride share app or taxi to avoid the costly fines of a DUI arrest.

***Please note that the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must announce to the public when the checkpoints will be conducted. The publicity is a protection of your rights; in any case, the checkpoint will do its job and keep drunk drivers off the road, either through arrest or deterrence.***

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

(September 21, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a high-visibility traffic enforcement “Operation Never Drive Impaired” on September 20th, 2021 with a focus on aggressive/reckless driving and DUI’s. The operation also sought moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations.

The operation was a saturation patrol that was conducted city-wide from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Officers were focused on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road as well as targeting areas with traffic issues that cause crashes. In addition to traffic violations, this operation yielded two arrests for criminal moving violations.

Out of the thirty-seven traffic stops made, no citations were necessary for seatbelt violations. The Cape Coral Police Department thanks everyone for always wearing your seatbelt.

Below are the detailed results of this operation:

OPERATION TIME:  6pm-1am
OPERATION SUPERVISOR: Sgt. J. DeRosso
GRANT FUNDED OFFICERS: Ofc. Barkley, Ofc. Hartzell, Ofc. Cannova, Ofc. Pierce, Ofc. Harrison,
Ofc. Prieto-Perez

ACTIVITY STATS:

TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 37
WARNINGS: 10
SPEED CITATIONS: 18
SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0
MOVING CITATIONS: 8
NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 5
OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0
OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0
.02 VIOLATIONS: 0
CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 2
TOTAL CITATIONS: 33
ARRESTS (NON-DUI): 2
ARRESTS (DUI): 0

One of the non-DUI arrests was for operating a motor vehicle without a Florida license and their out-of-state license was suspended due to a pending DUI case. The second was for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. They were both released from the scene with a court date.

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

(September 23, 2021) - A vehicle traveling eastbound on SW 19th Street slammed into the back of a parked vehicle, pinning a man between the two vehicles. Traffic Homicide Investigators and a Victim’s Advocate responded to the scene. The synopsis of the crash from the Traffic Homicide Investigator is as follows:

DATE: September 22, 2021                   
TIME: 7:30 am           
LOCATION: 406 SW 19th Street
CR#: 21-020501
ASSIGNED THI: P. Wilson

VEHICLE 1: 2017 gray Nissan Sentra, 4-Door Car, Florida tag.
DRIVER 1: 26 year old male, of Cape Coral, FL.
DRIVER 1 INJURIES: Powell suffered no injuries in the crash.

VEHICLE 2: 1997 white Ford Expedition, SUV, Florida tag.
VEHICLE 3: 2003 green Ford Expedition, SUV, Florida tag.

PEDESTRIAN 1: Juan Jose Jaime Franco, H/M, DOB: 8-12-86, of Fort Myers, FL.
PEDESTRIAN 1 INJURIES: Juan Jose Jaime Franco suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the collision.  ***On September 22nd at 8:22pm, contact was made with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s office who informed THI Investigator Wilson that Juan Jose Jaime Franco died at 4:28pm, as a result of his injuries sustained in the crash. The next of kin has been notified.***

SYNOPSIS: 

Vehicle 2 was properly parked, partially in the roadway, in front of 406 SW 19th Ave.

Vehicle 3 was parked in front of Vehicle 2, front bumper to front bumper.

Vehicle 2 and 3 were unoccupied.

Vehicle 1 was traveling East on SW 19th Ave approaching 406 SW 19th Ave.

Pedestrian 1 was collecting tools from the back of Vehicle 2, in preparation for the day’s work on a home under construction just East of 406 SW 19th Ave.

Driver of V1 stated he was unable to see due to window condensation combined with the sunrise glare.

Vehicle 1 collided with Pedestrian 1 and Vehicle 2 consecutively, pinning Pedestrian 1 between Vehicle 1 and Vehicle 2.

Pedestrian 1 suffered life threatening injuries in the collision and had to be extricated by LCEMS and CCFD.

Traffic Homicide Investigators were notified.

A Victim Advocate arrived on scene and additionally assisted in identifying Pedestrian 1. 

SPEED and IMPAIRMENT are NOT considered factors in this collision. 

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

(September 23, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department is seeking information regarding a morning hit and run crash that injured a child.

On September 23rd, 2021 at around 9:15 a.m. Cape Coral Police Patrol officers responded to the area of Ceitus Parkway and El Dorado Boulevard to a vehicle/pedestrian hit and run. A 12-year old child was found with serious facial contusions, and a broken passenger side rear view mirror was found at the scene. There were no witnesses to the incident, and the vehicle left the scene without stopping.

Based on the broken rear view mirror left behind, the vehicle is believed to be a GMC/Chevrolet light truck or SUV between the model years of 2000-2006. The color is unknown.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to please call us at (239) 574-3223; send an anonymous tip at www.capecops.com/tips or https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous; send us a message through our social media platforms; or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please use case report #21-020615.

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

(September 25, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation on September 25th, 2021. This is part of our continuing effort to increase traffic safety awareness through education and enforcement. The mission of these operations is to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roadways in Cape Coral.

This DUI enforcement operation will be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers. This operation will be citywide.

The primary focus of this operation will be placed on criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving. Officers will also be focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, as well as aggressive driving. Visible enforcement increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws and reduces crashes. The Cape Coral Police Department encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road. If you are impaired, please use a designated driver, ride share app or taxi to avoid the costly fines of a DUI arrest.

***Please note that the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must announce to the public when the checkpoints will be conducted. The publicity is a protection of your rights; in any case, the checkpoint will do its job and keep drunk drivers off the road, either through arrest or deterrence.***

###

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

(September 25, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a high-visibility traffic enforcement “Operation Never Drive Impaired” on September 25th, 2021 with a focus on aggressive/reckless driving and DUI’s. The operation also sought moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations.

The operation was a saturation patrol that was conducted city-wide from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Officers were focused on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road as well as targeting areas with traffic issues that cause crashes. In addition to traffic violations, this operation yielded two arrests for criminal moving violations.

Out of the thirty-five traffic stops made, only one citation was necessary for a seatbelt violation. The Cape Coral Police Department continues to remind everyone to wear your seatbelt.

Below are the detailed results of this operation:

OPERATION TIME:  6pm-1am
OPERATION SUPERVISOR: Sgt. J. DeRosso
GRANT FUNDED OFFICERS: Ofc. Gugliotta, Ofc. Maduro, Ofc. Harrison, Ofc. Prieto-Perez, Ofc. Cannova

ACTIVITY STATS:

TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 35
WARNINGS: 19
SPEED CITATIONS: 4
SEATBELT CITATIONS: 1
MOVING CITATIONS: 14
NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 5
OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0
OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0
.02 VIOLATIONS: 0
CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 4
TOTAL CITATIONS: 28
ARRESTS (NON-DUI): 1
ARRESTS (DUI): 0

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

(September 27, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation on September 27th, 2021. This is part of our continuing effort to increase traffic safety awareness through education and enforcement. The mission of these operations is to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roadways in Cape Coral.

This DUI enforcement operation will be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers. This operation will be citywide.

The primary focus of this operation will be placed on criminal violations such as DUI and reckless driving. Officers will also be focusing on moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations, as well as aggressive driving. Visible enforcement increases awareness, encourages motorists to obey traffic laws and reduces crashes. The Cape Coral Police Department encourages you to drive courteously and reminds you to obey the rules of the road. If you are impaired, please use a designated driver, ride share app or taxi to avoid the costly fines of a DUI arrest.

***Please note that the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must announce to the public when the checkpoints will be conducted. The publicity is a protection of your rights; in any case, the checkpoint will do its job and keep drunk drivers off the road, either through arrest or deterrence.***

###

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

(September 28, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a high-visibility traffic enforcement “Operation Never Drive Impaired” on September 27th, 2021 with a focus on aggressive/reckless driving and DUI’s. The operation also sought moving violations such as speeding, red-light and stop sign violations.

The operation was a saturation patrol that was conducted city-wide from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Officers were focused on identifying and taking impaired drivers off the road as well as targeting areas with traffic issues that cause crashes. In addition to traffic violations, this operation yielded two arrests for criminal moving violations.

Out of the thirty-four traffic stops made, no citations were necessary for seatbelt violations. The Cape Coral Police Department thanks everyone for always wearing your seatbelt.

Below are the detailed results of this operation:

OPERATION TIME:  6pm-10pm
OPERATION SUPERVISOR: Sgt. A. Cody
GRANT FUNDED OFFICERS: Sgt. Carson, Ofc. Colwell, Ofc. Myers, Ofc. Wilson, Ofc. Barkley, Ofc. Ochs

ACTIVITY STATS:

TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 34
WARNINGS: 15
SPEED CITATIONS: 14
SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0
MOVING CITATIONS: 15
NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 1
OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0
OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0
.02 VIOLATIONS: 0
CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 0
TOTAL CITATIONS: 21
ARRESTS (NON-DUI): 0
ARRESTS (DUI): 0

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

(October 1, 2021) - Officers responded to a residence in south Cape Coral in the middle of the night to a report of a shooting, and were able to get the suspect into custody and the victim needed assistance.

On October 1st, 2021 at around 1:30 a.m. Cape Coral Police Patrol officers responded to 808 Miramar Street Unit 4 after it was reported a man had shot his neighbor. The officers established a perimeter to contain the scene and the suspect, identified as Kevin Guillory (B/M, DOB: 9-20-83). Communication was established with Guillory, and the Bearcat vehicle was utilized to provide safety for the officers attempting to have Guillory exit the home. Guillory ultimately did come out peacefully and was taken into custody. The victim was transported to a local hospital with a non life-threatening injury.

Detectives with the CCPD Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation, and Guillory was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm and using a firearm while intoxicated. He was transported to the Lee County Jail.

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

(October 5, 2021) - An alert citizen and a robust police response resulted in the arrest of two vehicle burglars.

On October 4th, 2021 at around 8:40 a.m, Cape Coral Police Patrol officers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress in the 2800 block of SW 25th Place. The victim stated he was sitting on a bench by his front door and saw a juvenile in front of his home. He called out to ask what the youth was doing and heard his van door slam from his driveway. A second juvenile fled from the van, and both juveniles ran from the residence.

The victim followed the juveniles (identified as Matthew Sorge, W/M, DOB: 2-15-05 and Jadon Ruccione, W/M, DOB: 4-25-06) in his van and asked what they had stolen from his vehicle. Sorge removed a folding knife from his pocket and brandished it at the victim through his open van window.

CCPD Patrol and K-9 officers had established a perimeter around the neighborhood, and a search within the perimeter located the pair hiding on a dock behind a home under construction. Ruccione was taken into custody without incident; Sorge jumped into the canal and attempted to swim to freedom, instead swimming directly to a waiting CCPD perimeter unit and a pair of handcuffs.

The investigation revealed that both had been attempting several vehicles in the area looking for unlocked vehicles. Both Sorge and Ruccione were charged with burglary of a conveyance, with Sorge additionally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, all felony charges. They were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

***NO MUGSHOTS AVAILABLE***

ARRESTED: Matthew Bryan Sorge, W/M, DOB: 2-15-05, of Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Burglary of Conveyance, Aggravated Assault With Deadly Weapon

ARRESTED: Jadon Ruccione, W/M, DOB: 4-25-06, of Cape Coral FL.
CHARGES: Burglary of Conveyance

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The Cape Coral Police Department reminds everyone to “Lock It or Lose It.” Vehicle burglars overwhelmingly select unlocked vehicles that can be entered and exited quickly and quietly. Do not leave valuables or firearms in any vehicle.

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

(October 6, 2021) - A man who broke into a residence where a child was present as well as two vehicles was detained by residents until police arrived to take him into custody.

On October 6th, 2021 near the 1200 block of SE 24th Avenue at around 2:30 a.m., a caller stated to police a man had pushed a front window of their home in, causing it to land on a child’s bed while they were sleeping. The man fled the home on a bicycle and proceeded to a second home nearby, trying to enter the rear slider. Two residents there confronted and detained the man, identified as Christopher Tomasulo (W/M, DOB: 3-6-93).

Officers arrived to take Tomasulo into custody, and Tomasulo unsuccessfully tried to resist the officers’ attempts to handcuff him. The investigation revealed that Tomasulo had been in possession of and used a knife during the initial home break-in, and had also burglarized the two vehicles in the driveway.

Tomasulo was transported to a nearby hospital to be medically cleared due to having injuries from his struggle with the residents who detained him. Once medically cleared, Tomasulo was transported to the Lee County Jail on charges of armed burglary of an occupied residence/conveyance (3 counts), petit theft, criminal mischief, resisting without violence, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance (heroin), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(October 11, 2021) - An unlawful Sunday afternoon ATV riding session resulted in a crash that seriously injured a child.

Patrol officers and Major Crash investigators responded to the crash at the 700 block of NE Pine Island Lane, as did Lee County EMS. The synopsis from the investigating officer is below:

DATE:   October 10, 2021
TIME:    4:17 pm
LOCATION:   NE Pine Island Lane/NE 7th Place
CR#:   21-022167
ASSIGNED THI:   M/Cpl. A. Satterlee

VEHICLE 1:   2007 red Honda ATV
DRIVER 1:   JUVENILE (9 years old)
DRIVER 1 INJURIES:   The juvenile had suffered life threatening injuries, now in stable condition.

VEHICLE 2:   2016 black Kia Forte car, Florida tag.
DRIVER 2:   Christian Estrada, W/M, DOB: 1-24-03, of Cape Coral, FL.
DRIVER 2 INJURIES:   Estrada did not suffer injuries.
PASSENGER:   JUVENILE (17 years old)
PASSENGER INJURIES:   The juvenile did not suffer injuries.

SYNOPSIS:

Vehicle 1, an ATV being driven solo by a 9 year old boy, was driving in a vacant lot on the North side of NE Pine Island Lane with another adult nearby on their own ATV.  Vehicle 2 was driving west on NE Pine Island Lane approaching the intersection of NE 7th Place.

According to witnesses, the ATV being operated by the adult stopped by the edge of the roadway of NE Pine Island Lane to cross. Vehicle 1 did NOT stop and drove south into the roadway, directly in front of Vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 veered to the left and the left side of Vehicle 1 struck the front right of Vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 came to rest off the south edge of the roadway. During the crash, the driver of Vehicle 1 fell off of the ATV and onto the roadway. The ATV was eventually stopped nearby.

Lee County EMS arrived and found that the driver of Vehicle 1 suffered life-threatening head injuries, and he was trauma alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital by ambulance. THI Satterlee responded to assume the investigation. At the hospital, it was determined that the driver of Vehicle 1 suffered a skull fracture and was being admitted for observation, but was in stable condition.

The investigation determined that the 9 year old juvenile and adult guardian were riding ATVs in a nearby vacant lot. At the edge of the roadway, the guardian stopped his vehicle so as to not drive in front of Vehicle 2. The juvenile did not and caused the accident. The investigation found the driver of Vehicle 1 at fault in the traffic crash for failure to yield the right of way. The juvenile was also not wearing a helmet or eye protection which is required by law for those under the age of 16. The guardian was issued a citation for operating an ATV on a roadway, which is also against the law.

This traffic crash IS NOT alcohol/drug related. The next-of-kin HAS BEEN notified. There is NO further criminal investigation.

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The Cape Coral Police Department reminds the public that operating an unregistered motor vehicle (such as an ATV) on public roadways is against the law. The City of Cape Coral also prohibits via ordinance any riding of ATVs in vacant lots or unimproved property.

There are 12 traffic fatalities and 38 MCI usages in our city in 2021. (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 fatality ruled "medical" (i.e. cause of death not related to traffic crash injuries)).

2021: 12 Traffic fatalities, 5 DUI related (38 MCI usages)(DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)
2020: 19 Traffic fatalities, 7 DUI related (54 MCI usages)(DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death)
2019: 16 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (39 MCI usages)(DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical ruled deaths)
2018: 10 Traffic fatalities, 3 DUI related (30 MCI usages)(DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths)
2017: 17 Traffic fatalities, 8 DUI related (46 MCI usages)

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