(December 8, 2021) - A Cape Coral man has been charged with second degree murder as a result of a September shooting that caused the death of his roommate.
On September 13th, 2021 Cape Coral Police officers responded to a shooting at 1229 SW 18th Avenue. Officers located a gunshot victim deceased, and took into custody William Reese (W/M, DOB: 1-6-53). Reese was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon/ammo by a convicted felon, and remained in the Lee County Jail while CCPD Major Crimes Unit detectives investigated the circumstances of the shooting. A warrant was submitted and approved, and Reese has now been additionally charged with second degree murder. He remains in the Lee County Jail.
ARRESTED: William Reese, W/M, DOB: 1-6-53, of 1229 SW 18th Avenue, Cape Coral FL CHARGES: Second Degree Murder, Possession of Weapon/Ammo by Convicted Felon
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(December 7, 2021) - The results for the 15th Annual “Fill the Boat” Toy Drive are in and, the boat was overflowing with toys!
The 15th annual “Fill the Boat” Toy Drive was a resounding success! The Cape Coral Police Department collected toys to provide to local children in Cape Coral in hopes to brighten their Holiday Season. We also raised over $2,600.00 in monetary donations and $100.00 in gift cards, which will be used to purchase additional items for families with teenagers.
We would like to thank the community for its outstanding support. The generosity of the citizens of Cape Coral will truly make a difference in the lives of many children.
From left to right: DRC Masino, Deputy Chief McKenna, Jonathan Martin, Carlos Cavenago, Deputy Chief Catania, DRC DiGiovanni, Marine Officer Slager
From left to right: Lt. Donakowski, DRC Masino, DRC DiGiovanni, Deputy Chief Catania, Captain Lanza, Captain VanLandschoot, Marine Officer Slager
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(December 13, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department is in the process of implementing a new Incident-Based Reporting System that will allow the agency to collect more comprehensive crime data.
That detailed data will aid the Police Department in developing a more complete and transparent overview of various crime types occurring in the city of Cape Coral, in addition to helping to expedite identifying crime trends.
The transition is part of a major initiative nationwide to improve crime data collection by law enforcement, which is called NIBRS, or the National Incident-Based Reporting System. The Federal Bureau of Investigation oversees the collection of NIBRS data. Florida’s version is called FIBRS, or the Florida Incident-Based Reporting System. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will oversee the collection of FIBRS crime data.
Previously the Cape Coral Police Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout Florida used Summary-Based Reporting to collect and report crime data for the purpose of Uniform Crime Reporting data collection. The key difference is that Summary-Based Reporting only counts the most serious crime of a particular incident, while Incident-Based Reporting counts ALL crimes committed during an incident.
The new system will capture details on each single crime incident – as well as on separate offenses within the same incident. This includes information on victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees and stolen or recovered property involved in crimes.
Another advantage to the new system is how crime statistics are reported.
Summary-Based Reporting data was submitted twice a year to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Incident-Based Reporting data through FIBRS can be submitted monthly, or even daily if desired.
Incident-Based Reporting also allows for the collection of detailed drug offenses (up to three), where Summary-Based Reporting only allowed for one drug type to be reported per incident.
This new method of data collection will have a cumulative effect on combating crime issues and solving quality-of-life issues. Due to this change, crime statistics will initially appear to show increased numbers; however, this does NOT mean the crime rate is rising.
Even with the transition to a new Incident-Based Reporting system, the public will still be able to see long-term crime trends through the examination of historic crime data.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(December 14, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on December 13th, 2021. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in ninety citations (eleven of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as three arrests. Despite the many traffic stops made, no drivers were cited for seatbelt violations, and we thank the motoring public for always buckling up.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 6 a.m. - 11. a.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 93 WARNINGS: 15 SPEED CITATIONS: 51 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 61 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 6 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 11 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 3 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 90 DUI ARRESTS: 0 ARRESTS (OTHER): 3
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(December 17, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tonight, December 17th, 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
(December 20, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a DUI enforcement operation on the evening of December 17th, 2021. This was 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 was be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers and was citywide. The operation was made possible by grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
ARRESTED: Brandon Cody Levy, W/M, DOB: 5-26-99, of 2304 SW 19th Avenue, Cape Coral FL CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence
Levy was passing a bicyclist on the side of the road and began honking his horn at the bike while coming very close to him. Levy then sped up to approximately 60 MPH on Del Prado Boulevard. After the stop, Levy showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after performing poorly on standardized field sobriety exercises. BAC%: .132 / .125
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(December 31, 2021) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tonight, January 1st, 2022. 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
(January 1, 2022) - A Fort Myers man has been charged with second degree murder after an early morning argument that resulted in a shooting.
On January 1st, 2022 Cape Coral Police officers responded to a shooting at 4240 SE 20th Place. Officers located a gunshot victim deceased, and took into custody Trace Thomas McDowell (W/M, DOB: 11-22-1997). McDowell was arrested and charged with second degree murder and was later transported to the Lee County Jail.
ARRESTED: Trace Thomas McDowell, W/M, DOB 11-22-1997, 6006 North Hanna Ave., Fort Myers
CHARGES: Second Degree Murder, First Degree Felony
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 3, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a DUI enforcement operation on the evening of January 1st, 2022. This was 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 was be conducted by Patrol and Traffic officers and was citywide. The operation was made possible by grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
NOTE: Nine DUI arrests were made in the evening/early morning hours of New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day, hours prior to this operation.
The results of the enforcement operation:
OPERATION TIME: 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 72 WARNINGS: 30 SPEED CITATIONS: 23 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 37 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 7 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE CITATIONS: 7 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 1 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 50 DUI ARRESTS: 0 ARRESTS (OTHER): 1
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 5, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on January 3rd, 2022. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in fifty-two citations (five of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as two arrests. One driver was cited for a seatbelt violation, and please remember always to wear your seatbelt.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 6 a.m. - 11. a.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 56 WARNINGS: 16 SPEED CITATIONS: 30 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 1 MOVING CITATIONS: 37 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 11 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 5 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 3 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 52 DUI ARRESTS: 0 ARRESTS (OTHER): 2
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 11, 2022) - A man was sentenced this morning for his involvement in an October 2020 crash that resulted in his passenger’s death.
After pleading to his case in court in October 2021, Kyran Montes (DOB: 5-11-96) was sentenced this morning on charges of vehicular homicide and fleeing/eluding law enforcement in an October 2020 crash. The crash killed his passenger, a 24 year old Cape Coral man.
Montes was sentenced to ten years in Florida State Prison. This will be followed by five years of probation, a three year suspension of his driver’s license, and fines/court costs.
The original press release for the October 2020 crash can be found below.
SENTENCED: Kyran Anthony Montes, W/M, DOB: 5-11-96, of Cape Coral FL. CHARGES: Vehicular Homicide, Fleeing and Eluding (10 Years State Prison, followed by 5 Years Probation)
DATE: October 5, 2020 TIME: 1:27 am LOCATION: Santa Barbara Blvd N/Wilmington Pkwy CR#: 20-018420 ASSIGNED THI: Officer J. Barkley ASSISTING THI: Officer C. Mills
VEHICLE 1: White 2013 Infinity G37, Florida tag# Y60LJZ VEHICLE 1 DRIVER: Kyran Anthony Montes, DOB: 5-11-1996, of 1447 G St, Washougal, WA, 98671 VEHICLE 1 DRIVER INJURIES: Montes suffered minor injuries in the crash.
VEHICLE 1 PASSENGER: 24 year old male, of Cape Coral, FL. VEHICLE 1 PASSENGER INJURIES: Passenger died as a result of the crash.
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was traveling northbound on Santa Barbara Blvd N at a high rate of speed after fleeing an attempted traffic stop. Vehicle 1 continued past the dead end at Wilmington Pkwy and entered the vacant lot (marked with cautionary signs in the lot to prevent crashes). Vehicle 1 swerved right and began rotating clockwise. Vehicle 1 continued traveling sideways northbound through the vacant lot until it struck the elevated canal bank and went airborne into the canal. Vehicle 1 was completely submerged upon officers’ discovery.
Driver of Vehicle 1 left the scene on foot and was located a short distance from the crash. Driver of Vehicle 1 was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. CCFD divers were utilized and located the passenger still inside the vehicle. The passenger was removed from the canal and pronounced deceased on scene.
DRE W. Dotson responded, along with Forensic Tech C. Potts, and VA. M. Pena. FDLE also responded to assist with a laser imaging scan of the crash scene.
Alcohol/drugs ARE afactor in this traffic crash. Speed IS a factor in this traffic crash. 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
(January 12, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating our December 2021 “Do The Right Thing” recipients. These students exemplified what it means to “Do The Right Thing.”
Giana Geary Madison Stratman Gulf Elementary School - 5th Grade
Giana and Madison found $50.00 cash on the floor in the cafeteria. They demonstrated tremendous integrity and responsibility by turning the cash in to an adult.
Gavin Gardner Oasis Middle School - 6th Grade
Gavin remained calm during an emergency situation in the school’s parent pick up line. He kept his little brother entertained so that he would not be scared. He showed maturity far beyond his age.
Monica & Louis Galindo Caloosa Middle School - 8th/6th Grade
Monica and her brother Louis found a smart watch on campus after school. They contacted the owner through the smart watch and made arrangements to turn it in to the school front office. The owner of smart watch was very impressed with their honesty.
CCPD and School staff accepted the awards on the Galindo boys’ behalf.
Robert & Richard Waddell Jr Mariner Middle School - 6th/8th Grade
Both Robert and his brother, Richard, were very kind and supportive of another student even when the other student was not kind to Robert. The boys were willing to forgive and give meaningful advice to the student who was not being kind. Both Richard and Robert understood the importance of working out a situation with words, kindness and understanding rather than physical aggression.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 19, 2022) - A man arrested on December 4th on sexual battery charges was charged with two additional crimes while still in the Lee County Jail.
Cape Coral Police Major Crimes detectives continued to work cases against Douglas Skoczek (W/M, DOB: 1-3-55) after his December arrest. These cases resulted in probable cause to charge him with two additional crimes: sexual battery on a victim over 18 years old, and sexual battery on a victim under 12 years old (a capital felony). The additional charges were served against Skoczek at the Lee County Jail where he has remained since December.
The Major Crimes Unit is looking for any additional information or to hear from any possible additional victims of Skoczek. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Thomas Kortright at (239) 574-3223.
The news release for Skoczek’s original arrest can be found below.
PREVIOUSLY JAILED: Douglas Edward Skoczek, W/M, DOB: 1-3-55, of 107 SW 49th Terrace, Cape Coral FL CHARGES ADDED: Sexual Battery on Victim Over 18, Sexual Battery on Victim Under 12
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 25, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Officer Chelsea Armato on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
On September 11th, 2021 at around 7:20 p.m. Officer Armato was off-duty and on her way home. A serious traffic crash occurred at the 1000 block of NE Pine Island Road where a Ford Mustang rolled over multiple times. The driver’s left arm was broken in multiple places and bleeding heavily. Citizen Ian Sanderson had used a belt to slow the bleeding; once Officer Armato arrived she quickly applied a tourniquet and stopped the bleeding until medics arrived.
The driver was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital as a trauma alert, and unfortunately lost his arm. His injuries were such that without the quick actions of Officer Armato and Mr. Sanderson he could have lost his life.
Today Officer Armato was given the Lifesaving Award by Chief Tony Sizemore and Deputy Chief Michael Catania, with her husband John Armato by her side.
Chief Sizemore with Officer Chelsea Armato, Lifesaving Award Recipient
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 26, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Quartermaster Stephen Chin on receiving the Chief’s Special Recognition Award, one of the Department’s highest civilian honors.
With the department’s unprecedented growth and recent retirements, resignations and promotions, the Quartermaster’s Office had one of its busiest years to date. Quartermaster Stephen Chin embraced the challenge of the increase in receivables and the distribution of items, equipment maintenance, communicating with vendors, ensuring that the department was adequately stocked to meet our employees’ needs.
Stephen worked solo in the Quartermaster’s Office for much of 2021 due to a co-worker retiring and the assigned volunteer out for an extended period. The office welcomed a new quartermaster during the year, and Stephen patiently trained and assisted his new co-worker, helping her feel at ease with her new role in the department. Despite the challenges Stephen was experiencing, he consistently carried out his duties with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
Stephen’s daily actions do not go unnoticed by co-workers, with his excellent work performance and helpful disposition being well known. Today Stephen was given the Chief’s Special Recognition Award by Chief Tony Sizemore, Commander Tazkoma Burgoyne and Deputy Chiefs Michael Catania and Darren McKenna, with his family by his side.
Chief Sizemore presents Quartermaster Stephen Chin with the Chief’s Special Recognition Award.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 27, 2022) - A vehicle traveling northbound on Del Prado Boulevard South overcorrected and pulled in front of oncoming traffic. The driver appeared to suffer from life-threatening injuries on the scene that were downgraded to serious at the hospital. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene. The synopsis of the crash from the Major Crash Investigator is as follows:
DATE: January 26, 2022 TIME: 1:52 pm LOCATION: Del Prado Blvd S/Beach Pkwy CR#: 22-002009 ASSIGNED MCI: Corporal J. Barkley
VEHICLE 1: 2002 Maroon Toyota Camry, Florida tag VEHICLE 1 DRIVER: Michele Juliette Witlin, DOB 03/14/1988, of Cape Coral, Florida VEHICLE 1 DRIVER INJURIES: Witlin suffered life threatening injuries in the crash that were later downgraded to serious but non-life-threatening.
VEHICLE 2: 2021 Beige Lexus RX-350, Florida tag VEHICLE 2 DRIVER: Berge Harry Aslanian, DOB 10/14/1947, of Cape Coral, Florida VEHICLE 2 DRIVER INJURIES: Aslanian suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
VEHICLE 3: 2018 Red Kia Sorento, Florida tag VEHICLE 3 DRIVER: Stephen Henry Pohlman, DOB 08/12/1952, of Cape Coral, Florida VEHICLE 3 DRIVER INJURIES: Pohlman suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was traveling northbound in the inside travel lane on Del Prado Blvd S approaching Beach Pkwy. Vehicle 2 was traveling southbound in the inside travel lane on Del Prado Blvd S approaching Beach Pkwy. Vehicle 3 was traveling southbound in the center travel lane on Del Prado Blvd S approaching Beach Pkwy slightly behind Vehicle 2.
There was an unidentified vehicle that was in the southbound left turn lane that made a left turn (eastbound) onto Beach Pkwy in front of Vehicle 1. Based on video recovered from nearby businesses, it appears that the vehicle’s left turn required very little (if any) reaction from Vehicle 1. However, in reaction to the turning vehicle, Vehicle 1 slammed on the brakes and swerved to the left entering the inside southbound travel lane of Del Prado Blvd S while still traveling north (wrong direction).
Vehicle 1`s front bumper collided head on with Vehicle 2`s left driver side panel. This impact caused Vehicle 2`s rear end to become lifted off the ground, and come to a rest on the top of Vehicle 3`s hood. Vehicle 2 then rotated counterclockwise while still traveling southbound, while Vehicle 3 swerved right post impact. Both Vehicle 2 and Vehicle 3 came to final rest facing southwest on the sidewalk and outside travel lane of Del Prado Blvd S. Vehicle 1 was pushed backwards from the initial collision and rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the middle of the southbound left turn lane of Del Prado Blvd facing northwest.
Driver of Vehicle 1 was not wearing a seatbelt and was unresponsive after the collision. Driver of Vehicle 1 was trauma alerted to Gulf Coast Hospital via EMS with life threatening injuries. Driver of Vehicle 2 and the driver of Vehicle 3 suffered non-life threatening injuries and were both taken to Lee Memorial Hospital via EMS.
Due to the life threatening injuries Traffic Homicide Investigator J. Barkley responded to the scene with the assistance of Officer Schwigk and Officer Fronk. CCPD Forensics Tech K. Buckner-Brager, Drug Recognition Expert D. Thomas, and Victim Advocate C. Seymour also responded.
Alcohol/drugs ARE a factor in this crash. Speed is NOT a factor in this crash. Next-of-kin HAVE BEEN notified.
The Traffic Homicide Unit deployed the Leica RTC360 scanner and laser mapped the scene of the incident.
If you witnessed this traffic crash or have information about this traffic crash, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department by calling 239-574-3223, submitting an anonymous tip at www.capecops.com/tips, https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous , sending us a message through our social media platforms or calling Crime stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please use the Case Report # 22-002009.
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***There are 0 traffic fatalities and 1 MCI usages in our city in 2022. (DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 fatality ruled "medical" (i.e. cause of death not related to traffic crash injuries)).
2022: 0 Traffic fatalities, 0 DUI related (1 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 medical ruled death) 2021: 12 Traffic fatalities, 5 DUI related (44 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) 2015: 13 Traffic fatalities, 9 DUI related (43 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 1 medical ruled death) 2014: 10 Traffic fatalities, 5 DUI related (40 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 2 medical ruled deaths) 2013: 19 Traffic fatalities, 6 DUI related (43 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 3 medical ruled deaths) 2012: 10 Traffic fatalities, 6 DUI related (21 MCI usages)
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 30, 2022) - Two men were deceased after a domestic incident at a home in Cape Coral yesterday.
On January 29th, 2022 at around 11:35 a.m. Cape Coral Police responded to a 911 hangup/check up request at a home in the 100 block of SE 13th Avenue. Upon the officer arriving and making contact at the front door, a woman fled the home stating a man inside had a gun. Immediately after her statement, shots were heard being fired inside the residence. The officer got the woman to safety and called for backup.
A perimeter was established to contain the scene, and the Cape Coral Police Special Response and Crisis Negotiation Teams arrived. One gunshot victim (a 50 year old male) was extracted and transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Another male, identified as Adrian Hernandez-Martinez (H/M, DOB: 10-26-90) was found inside the home deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Cape Coral Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation. Preliminary investigation findings showed that Hernandez-Martinez had held the woman and male victim inside the home for several hours before she was able to secretly call police and leave the line open. Upon police arrival Hernandez-Martinez appears to have immediately killed the male victim and then himself.
Next-of-kin notifications have been made, and this investigation is still active and ongoing.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(January 31, 2022) - A vehicle traveling southbound on Del Prado Boulevard South struck a pedestrian walking across the southbound lanes. The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries on the scene and later died at the hospital. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene. The synopsis of the crash from the Major Crash Investigator is as follows:
DATE: January 29, 2022 TIME: 10:24 pm CR#: 22-002324 LOCATION: 200 block Del Prado Boulevard South ASSIGNED MCI: M/Cpl. A. Satterlee
VEHICLE 1: 2001 Toyota Highlander SUV, Florida tag DRIVER: Qilei Zhang, W/M, 6-5-78, of Cape Coral, Florida DRIVER INJURIES: Zhang suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.
PASSENGER 1: Mingjian Lin, W/M, 8-15-71, of Cape Coral, Florida PASSENGER 1 INJURIES: Lin suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.
PASSENGER 2: Basilio Aguilon Felix, H/M, 3-3-91, of Cape Coral, Florida PASSENGER 2 INJURIES: Felix suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.
PEDESTRIAN: Corey Adam Bourgard, W/M, 9-8-87, of Cape Coral, Florida PEDESTRIAN INJURIES: Bourgard died due to injuries suffered in the traffic crash.
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was South on Del Prado Boulevard in the inside (left) lane. A Pedestrian was walking from the West to the East, across the South lanes of Del Prado Boulevard in an area that does not have overhead lighting. The nearest intersection is several hundred feet away from this area.
The Pedestrian, who was wearing dark clothing, walked into the path of Vehicle 1 in the inside lane. The front of Vehicle 1 struck the left side of the Pedestrian forcing him onto the hood, into the windshield, and then over the roof. The Pedestrian then struck the grassy median where he came to rest face down. Vehicle 1 came to an immediate stop nearby.
CCFD and Lee County EMS responded and the Pedestrian was immediately trauma alerted due to suffering life threatening injuries. At 1:14 am, the Pedestrian died at Gulf Coast Hospital from injuries suffered in the traffic crash.
THI Satterlee, DRE Martini, Forensic Tech Potts, and V.A. Supervisor Seymour responded. A Traffic Homicide Investigation has been started. This traffic crash IS NOT alcohol/drug related in reference to the driver of Vehicle 1. The next-of-kin HAS been located/notified. There are no criminal charges pending for this traffic homicide investigation.
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***There is 1 traffic fatality and 2 MCI usages in our city in 2022. (DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 fatality ruled "medical" (i.e. cause of death not related to traffic crash injuries)).
2022: 1 Traffic fatalities, 0 DUI related (2 MCI usages) (DOES NOT INCLUDE 0 medical ruled death) 2021: 12 Traffic fatalities, 5 DUI related (44 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
(February 1, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Officer Carolina Serwy on receiving for the third time the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
On January 20th, 2021 at around 12:00 a.m. Officer Serwy was dispatched to the 300 block of Cultural Park Boulevard regarding a suspicious vehicle parked in the median. The anonymous caller told dispatch the vehicle had been parked and running for approximately two hours, with no one seen entering or exiting.
When Officer Serwy arrived she located the driver/sole occupant slumped over and unresponsive. As she notified dispatch, she removed the 6’3” 230lb. male from the driver’s seat. He was not conscious, not breathing, and did not have a pulse. As dispatch was notifying Fire and EMS, Officer Serwy began CPR. Prior to FD/EMS arrival Officer Serwy was able to resuscitate the man, who now had a weak pulse and agonal breathing.
After Fire/EMS arrived they administered Narcan and provided additional lifesaving measures. After several minutes working on the man, he regained consciousness and became alert and oriented prior to transport to the hospital for further care.
Officer Serwy’s quick and decisive action in removing the man from the vehicle and beginning CPR contributed greatly to his surviving this incident. Today, Officer Serwy was given the Lifesaving Award by Chief Tony Sizemore, accompanied by Deputy Chief Michael Catania.
Officer Carolina Serwy & Chief Tony Sizemore
Public Affairs Sergeant Julie Green, Deputy Chief Michael Catania, Officer Carolina Serwy, Chief Tony Sizemore
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 2, 2022) - Five members of the Cape Coral Police Department received the Department’s Leadership Award for their exemplary work leading the Community Services Bureau through a difficult time.
During the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years, Captain (now Deputy Chief) Michael Catania, Lieutenant Jon Kulko, Sergeant (now Lieutenant) Jennifer Matlock, Sergeant Brian Kearney and Sergeant Julie Green led the School Resource Officers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They ensured that the SROs maintained proper CDC health regulations and guidelines while performing their duties in an exemplary manner. During this difficult time the sergeants were able to keep their SROs continually motivated and extremely productive.
When schools were closed due to the pandemic and conducting virtual learning, the Bureau focused on assistance for the school district and the community. They remained at the schools and assisted with safety and security while the schoolchildren were able to come to the school to get much needed food. During this time, over 1.5 million meals were distributed to children throughout Lee County and Cape Coral. The SROs also conducted safety and security operations at the COVID-19 testing site where thousands of Lee County citizens came to get tested. On Fridays the Bureau assisted with security at the Harry Chapin Food Bank distribution location, which served food packages to 7,000 citizens in need.
When the schools reopened, through the direction of the Bureau Commander (Catania) and execution of the plan by the sergeants, the SROs returned to the schools. and kept the schools safe and secure. The command climate provided by the Bureau leadership ensured the SROs felt their leaders were there for them, as they too had concerns regarding the pandemic and keeping 30,000+ Cape Coral students safe. During the school year the SROs conducted 2,559 counseling sessions with students, led 290 presentations and thoroughly investigated 80 school threats.
Please join us in congratulating these officers for their excellent leadership and hard work during extremely trying times.
L to R: Chief Tony Sizemore, Sgt. Brian Kearney, Lt. Jennifer Matlock, Sgt. Julie Green, Deputy Chief Michael Catania, Lt. Jon Kulko
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
