(February 4, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Officer Brandon Sancho on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
On April 10th, 2021 at around 10:50 a.m. Officer Sancho was on patrol when he came across a disabled vehicle in a median. Inside he discovered a female patient having a seizure with her partner watching her. The patient’s partner told Officer Sancho she did not require medical attention, but Officer Sancho still notified Dispatch to send medics. During the seizure the patient suddenly became unresponsive, stopped breathing and had no pulse. Officer Sancho immediately began CPR, continuing for approximately five minutes before Fire and EMS personnel arrived and took over. The patient was transported to the hospital and was expected to make a full recovery.
Without Officer Sancho’s assistance in quickly calling EMS despite the patient’s partner attempting to convince him it wasn’t necessary, as well as his assistance in providing CPR for five minutes until advanced medical help arrived, the patient may not have survived. Officer Sancho was given the Lifesaving Award by Chief Tony Sizemore, accompanied by Deputy Chief Michael Catania.
L to R: Public Affairs Sgt. Julie Green, Deputy Chief Michael Catania, Ofc. Brandon Sancho, 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 7, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation this morning, February 7th, 2022. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in fifty-six citations (twenty-six of those for violating a traffic control or signal device). No drivers were cited for a seatbelt violation, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 67 WARNINGS: 16 SPEED CITATIONS: 15 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 47 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 8 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 26 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 1 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 56 DUI ARRESTS: 0 ARRESTS (OTHER): 0
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 8, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit is seeking the public’s help to identify a man passing counterfeit currency.
On December 26th, 2021 at around 10:00 p.m., an unknown white male entered Walmart located at 2020 NE Pine Island Road and purchased a pre-loaded money card with the use of two counterfeit $100 bills. Walmart Asset Protection reported that the bills were checked with a currency pen yielding a positive result for genuine currency. A further look at the bills discovered that the $100 bills were previously $1 bills bleached/altered to look like $100 bills. Both of the bills passed on the date in question shared the exact same serial number tipping asset protection off to the fraudulent uttering of the bills.
The suspect is a white male likely between 25-35 years of age, roughly 5’6” 150-160 lbs with short brown hair. He has a tattoo (unknown style) on his right bicep/inner right forearm and left the scene in a white Toyota sedan. On the date of the crime he was wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts, black/white sneakers (Puma style), and a gold 18”-20” necklace.
Anyone with information is asked to please call the Cape Coral Police Department 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 #21-028491.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 16, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating Anella “Joy” Nyack on being named the Cape Coral Police Department’s 2021 Employee of the Year.
Joy’s nomination letter from Community Services Bureau Lieutenant Jon Kulko:
The Cape Coral Police Department is blessed to have such an amazing Community Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Anella “Joy” Nyack. She has embraced the position and has developed it into one of the most important positions promoting police-community relations.
2021, with over 116 events, saw Joy “think outside the box” in her efforts to serve the community amid a national health crisis. This was evident in the shift for “Do The Right Thing” ceremonies from City Hall to the DTRT winner’s school. The presentations (41 total) brought a sense of increased importance to the students, school staff and School Resource officers. This also allowed the school staff and faculty to tailor the presentation to best honor the student for their achievement (i.e. school news, classroom, outside with class, in front of the school). Joy also worked with volunteers to ensure that 157 needy school children were able to receive their back-to-school supplies. Instead of the children shopping in a crowded store with a risk of exposure, the volunteers led by Joy shopped for the school supplies and delivered them to the kids.
During the Holiday Heroes Food Drive, Joy made arrangements with two of the Walmart Neighborhood Markets for the officers to be outside in areas that provided the best exposure to the customers and provided the best protection from health concerns. There were also arrangements made with the Harry Chapin Food Bank to be on site to collect the food as it was donated. The food drive resulted in a record year with 2,673 pounds of food donated and $2,189 in cash received. 2021 also saw the return of Water Safety Day, the 14th annual Youth Academy (two classes) and Junior Leadership Academy. All were executed to perfection through the planning and organization of Joy Nyack.
The year ended with three of the Cape Coral Police Department’s signature events, the first being the 15th annual Fill the Boat campaign. One hundred thirteen families (330 children) in need received toys and gifts for Christmas. The second event was the Children’s Network Toy Drive to help foster children. The generosity of Cape Coral residents resulted in four truckloads of toys distributed to over 2,000 children. The final event was the 19th annual Shop With a Cop, which was a huge success. Mrs. Nyack’s outside-the-box thinking allowed 40 children the opportunity to participate, with a large portion of the event held outside due to ongoing health concerns. She coordinated with Panera Bread to provide lunch for the shoppers and had volunteers to pass out wrapping paper for the shoppers’ gifts. Mrs. Nyack also worked with the Rotary Club South Sunset to coordinate the donation of Christmas turkey dinners for the families of all the shoppers.
These events would not have been such a success without Mrs. Nyack’s planning, preparation, motivation and strong desire to serve the community. The outreach she provides to the community reaches countless people and brings great credit to herself, her family, the Community Services Bureau, and the Cape Coral Police Department. She is well deserving of this recognition of the 2021 Cape Coral Police Department’s Employee of the Year.
Today Joy received her award from Chief Tony Sizemore, joined by Deputy Chief Mike Catania and Deputy Chief Darren McKenna.
Chief Sizemore with 2021 Employee of the Year Anella “Joy” Nyack
L to R: Deputy Chief Mike Catania, Chief Tony Sizemore, Community Outreach Coordinator Joy Nyack, Deputy Chief Darren McKenna
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 17, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on February 16th, 2022 specifically targeting aggressive driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its Aggressive Driving grant. This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in sixty-two citations (twenty-seven of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as two traffic arrests. No drivers stopped were found without a seatbelt, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 67 WARNINGS: 15 SPEED CITATIONS: 26 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 56 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 6 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 27 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 2 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 62 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
(February 18, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be hosting a “Chill and Grill” Event on Monday, February 21st, 2022, at Cape Christian (2110 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral, Florida). The event will be from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Chill and Grill is a free event presented by the Cape Coral Police Department and community partners to provide a safe, fun-filled, positive environment for children and their families. There will be music, games, and food (while supplies last). When you come to the event, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the person behind the badge and uniform.
There will be special appearances by the Cape Coral Police Department’s Motor Units and K-9 Officers.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 22, 2022) - Cape Coral Police officers from Platoon 3’s North District received Lifesaving Awards from Chief Sizemore for their heroic actions.
On February 20th, 2021 at around 7:15 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of NE 8th Place in reference to a disturbance with weapons. Officers were familiar with the location due to a woman suffering from mental health issues the previous week. While enroute to the call, dispatch advised that the woman had discharged a firearm and left on foot with the weapon. Sergeant Taylor was able to make phone contact with her and confirmed she had left with the gun and was threatening suicide. A perimeter was set up to contain the female within the area while Sergeant Taylor attempted to convince her to return and other officers searched for her.
Lee County Aviation responded and located the woman on a canal bank near NE 10th Place and NE 23rd Street. The perimeter was shifted to more closely contain the scene as efforts to have her walk out to officers continued. Unfortunately these efforts were unsuccessful as the woman disconnected on the call, after which officers immediately heard a gunshot. Officer Almendariz rushed to the sound of the shot and found the woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers Dowdle, Chesnut, Fugiel, Deberardinis, and Sergeant Taylor arrived and all immediately began lifesaving measures.
Due to their training, the officers recognized the need for a chest seal and applied one from their medic bags. When the medical tape failed to close the wound, Officer Dowdle retrieved duct tape from his vehicle which was able to seal the sucking chest wound. Sergeant Taylor applied constant pressure to the wound while the others carried the woman up the canal bank. They continued lifesaving measures, then carried her quickly to the ambulance when it arrived. The woman ultimately survived her injury.
Chief Tony Sizemore presented these officers with the department’s Lifesaving Award for their brave actions, along with Deputy Chief Darren McKenna and Deputy Chief Mike Catania.
L to R: Ofc. Chesnut, Ofc. Fugiel, Officer Almendariz, Chief Sizemore, Sgt. Taylor
The group joined by Deputy Chief Mike Catania (far left) and Deputy Chief Darren McKenna (far right).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 23, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD School Resource Officer Gene Raphael on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
On March 3rd, 2021 while Officer Raphael was working as the School Resource Officer at Oasis Elementary North, he was notified by staff that a student was choking on his food. Officer Raphael quickly responded and found the student coughing and vomiting.
Despite the student’s condition, the student was able to indicate that he had food stuck in his throat. Officer Raphael assisted the student to his feet and proceeded to perform abdominal thrusts in an attempt to dislodge the stuck food. Officer Raphael’s abdominal thrusts worked, and the student coughed up the obstruction. The student began breathing normally and was able to resume his day without further medical care. Officer Raphael notified the school nurse and the student’s parents of the incident.
Without Officer Raphael’s quick and effective actions, the outcome of this incident could have been tragic. For this reason Officer Raphael received the Lifesaving Award from Chief Tony Sizemore.
Chief Tony Sizemore with Lifesaving Award recipient Gene Raphael.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 24, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD School Resource Officer Ed Schilff on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
On March 31st, 2021 while Officer Schilff was working as the School Resource Officer at Cape Elementary School, he heard screaming coming from the kitchen area and cafeteria employees calling for help. Upon entering the kitchen he saw an employee on the floor unconscious and not breathing. Officer Schilff requested medics be dispatched and then took over CPR from another employee who had been providing CPR.
Shortly after Officer Schilff began CPR, the employee regained consciousness and became responsive and alert. EMS arrived and continued care for the employee, who survived.
Due to the quick actions of Officer Schilff and the patient’s fellow employee, the patient of this incident made a full recovery. For this reason Officer Schilff received the Lifesaving Award from Chief Tony Sizemore.
Chief Tony Sizemore with Lifesaving Award recipient Ed Schilff.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 24, 2022) On February 23, 2022, the defendant Nathaniel Christian O’Dea, accepted a plea agreement for his role in an October 11th, 2020 DUI Manslaughter investigation. O’Dea was found at fault on scene and arrested.
O’Dea accepted a plea agreement for the charges of DUI Manslaughter and DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury and was sentenced to the following:
13.25 years in prison
5 years probation after release
Permanent license revocation
Court imposed fines
Below is the original traffic homicide investigation.
DATE: October 11, 2020 TIME: 3:41 am LOCATION: 4400 block Burnt Store Road North CR: 20-018895 ASSIGNED THI: M/Cpl. A. Satterlee
VEHICLE 1: 2002 silver Ford Explorer SUV, Florida tag DRIVER 1: Nathaniel Christian O’Dea, W/M, 10-18-91, 833 SW 56th Street, Cape Coral, Florida 33914. DRIVER 1 INJURIES: O’Dea suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention.
VEHICLE 2: 2005 grey Nissan Altima car, Florida tag DRIVER 2: Dwight Headley Reynolds, B/M, of Port Charlotte, Florida DRIVER 2 INJURIES: Reynolds suffered life threatening injuries. PASSENGER: George Junior Troy Smith III, B/M, of Naples, Florida PASSENGER INJURIES: Smith died at the hospital due to injuries suffered in the traffic crash.
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 (Ford Explorer) was driving South on Burnt Store Road. Vehicle 2 (Nissan Altima) was driving North on Burnt Store Road.
Vehicle 1 began to drive South in the North lane of Burnt Store Road, directly into the path of travel of Vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 attempted to avoid Vehicle 1 by skidding and pulling to the left just prior to the traffic crash. Both vehicles struck head on. Both vehicles came to rest (Vehicle 1 facing South in the North lane, Vehicle 2 facing North in the North lane near the center line of the roadway).
The driver of Vehicle 1 suffered minor injuries and refused medical transport.
The driver of Vehicle 2, who WAS NOT wearing a seatbelt, was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital with life threatening injuries (currently listed in critical condition in surgical ICU). The passenger of Vehicle 2, who WAS NOT wearing a seatbelt, was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he died of injuries suffered in the traffic crash.
It was determined that Vehicle 1 was at fault in the traffic crash and a DUI investigation was conducted on the driver. Upon completion, the driver was placed under arrest and provided a breath test at the Cape Coral Police Department. Breath results showed that the driver had a BAC of 0.181 and 0.173.
It was further determined that the driver of Vehicle 2 had a medical blood alcohol level of 0.151 at Lee Memorial Hospital.
Traffic Homicide Investigator’s Satterlee, Barkley, and DUI Officer Martini responded. Forensic Technician Potts and Victim Advocate Tucker assisted. FDLE responded and assisted with scene mapping, and LCSO aviation assisted with aerial photographs.
The driver of Vehicle 1, Nathaniel Christian O’Dea, was charged with the following charges:
1 count- DUI Manslaughter 1 count- DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury 1 count- DUI Causing Property Damage
(February 25, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on February 24th, 2022, specifically targeting aggressive driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its Aggressive Driving grant. This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in forty-four citations (twenty-four of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as two traffic arrests. No drivers stopped were found without a seatbelt, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 53 WARNINGS: 8 SPEED CITATIONS: 19 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 51 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 2 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 24 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 3 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 44 DUI ARRESTS: 0 ARRESTS (OTHER): 1
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL
(February 25, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tonight, February 25th, 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
(February 28, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD School Resource Officer Coby Palmer on receiving the award for the Cape Coral Police Department’s 2021 Officer of the Year.
From School Resource Sergeant Brian Kearney’s nomination:
Officer Coby Palmer became the Director of the Police Athletic League program in January of 2021. As the PAL Director Officer Palmer took on several additional responsibilities on top of. his daily SRO duties. He took over the PAL program during challenging times due to public health concerns and found creative. ways. to keep those involved in the program active, such as providing memberships to the city’s Youth Center.
As time passed and organized sports activities resumed, Officer Palmer worked with several SROs to identify youths that could benefit from being involved in the Police Athletic League. When a potential prospect is identified, Officer Palmer meets with the student’s SRO, then contact the family and discusses the program. If the family is interested, Officer Palmer schedules a home visit where he would meet the child and family and discuss what would be expected (good behavior, being respectful, good grades, etc.) Officer Palmer performs these visits on his own time after his shift has ended. Currently there are seven youths being sponsored by the PAL in various sports activities to include soccer, baseball, cheerleading, wrestling, and basketball. Officer Palmer spends his own time checking up on the kids and making sure all expectations are being met. Not surprisingly Officer Palmer’s dedication is frequently noticed by the parents of the sponsored children. One caretaker notified Officer Palmer that her child’s grades had improved since joining the PAL program. The child went from struggling to get passing grades to being on the honor roll. There was also a noticeable positive change in behavior.
Under the direction of Officer Palmer, the PAL program has expanded from sponsoring individuals for sports programs to also organizing camps for students when school is not in session. Officer Palmer has organized several basketball camps that take place at Oasis schools. Officer Palmer put the camp together from scratch and organized coaches, students, and school staff to assist. The camp has had over 200 kids attend.
Officer Palmer is now expanding even further and began coordinating with the city’s Parks & Rec department to assist with registration and additional locations where he can organize other camps when school is out. He also has plans to sponsor more kids than ever before in the coming year and plans to include luncheons where participants can be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year.
Officer Palmer has volunteered countless hours of his own time to ensure the success of the Police Athletic League. Officer Palmer’s selflessness and dedication has made him a role model for students, officers, and the community. I am nominating Officer Palmer for Officer of the Year. I believe his hard work and dedication to the community has truly made him one of Cape Coral’s Finest.
Chief Tony Sizemore with 2021 Officer of the Year Coby Palmer.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(February 28, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded DUI enforcement operation on February 25th, 2022, specifically targeting impaired driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in sixty-four citations (twenty-four of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as two traffic arrests. One driver stopped was found without a seatbelt, and we remind the motoring public to always wear your seatbelt.
The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 73 WARNINGS: 28 SPEED CITATIONS: 20 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 1 MOVING CITATIONS: 46 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 10 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 24 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 5 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 64 DUI ARRESTS: 3 ARRESTS (OTHER): 3
ARRESTED: Daniel Thomas Craig, W/M, DOB: 3-14-91, of 1228 SE 26th Terrace, Cape Coral FL. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to DUI Testing, Carrying Weapon Openly
Craig was stopped at the 1600 block of Beach Parkway for speeding (60 MPH in a 40 MPH zone). Signs of impairment were seen, and the resulting DUI investigation ended in Craig’s arrest. He was also found to have a firearm readily accessible for immediate use.
ARRESTED: Keven Pierre Desroches, W/M, DOB: 9-7-81, of 64 Oak Street, North Fort Myers FL. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence, Driving While License Suspended, Possession of Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
Desroches was stopped at the 100 block of NE Pine Island Road for an expired tag. Signs of impairment were seen and the resulting DUI investigation ended in his arrest. It was also discovered his license was suspended and he was in possession of .04 grams of fentanyl.
ARRESTED: Norman William Ewart, W/M, DOB: 12-16-66, of 1214 26th Terrace, Cape Coral FL. CHARGES: Driving Under the Influence
Ewart was stopped for a stop sign violation at the 4700 block of SE 15th Avenue. Signs of impairment were seen, and the resulting DUI investigation ended in his arrest. BAC%: .132
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(March 2, 2022) - A vehicle traveling southbound on Country Club Boulevard did not correctly negotiate the curve and left the roadway, ending head-on into a palm tree. The driver sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene. The synopsis of the crash from the Major Crash Investigator is as follows:
DATE: March 1, 2022 TIME: 6:12 pm CR#: 22-004881 LOCATION: 3900 block Country Club Blvd. ASSIGNED MCI: Ofc. S. Leonard
VEHICLE 1: 2016 Kia Forte, Florida tag DRIVER: Ashley Nichole Miller, W/F, DOB: 9-6-90, of Cape Coral, FL DRIVER INJURIES: Miller suffered fatal injuries in the traffic crash.
SYNOPSIS:
V1 was south on Country Club Boulevard at a high rate of speed approaching a right-hand curve at the 3900 block. V1 failed to negotiate the curve and left the roadway to the left. V1 struck the raised concrete curb and entered the median. The driver-side tires of V1 dropped off the curb into the northbound lanes of Country Club while still traveling south. V1 then crossed back into the median before re-entering the inside southbound travel lane. V1 then crossed over both southbound travel lanes to the right and left the roadway where the front bumper of V1 struck a traffic control sign and a mailbox. V1 then crossed both southbound travel lanes to the left and struck the raised concrete curb and entered the median. The front bumper of V1 then struck a palm tree in the median head-on. The impact caused the rear of the vehicle to rotate counterclockwise and land perpendicular to the southbound travel lanes. V1 then rolled to the west side of Country Club, where it came to final rest in the front yard of 3934 Country Club Boulevard.
CCFD and Lee County EMS responded. The driver of V1 sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
Due to the fatal injuries, Major Crash Investigators S. Leonard and J. Barkley responded to the scene. CCPD Forensics Tech K. Buckner-Brager and Victim Advocate C. Seymour also responded.
Alcohol/drugs are an UNKNOWN factor in this crash. Speed IS 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 Case Report # 22-004881.
***There are 2 traffic fatalities and 4 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: 2 Traffic fatalities, 0 DUI related (4 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
(March 3, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on March 2nd, 2022, specifically targeting aggressive driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its Aggressive Driving grant. This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in sixty-nine citations (twenty-five of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as two traffic arrests. Two drivers were cited for a seatbelt violation, and please remember always to wear your seatbelt. The detailed results are as follows:
OPERATION TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 69 WARNINGS: 12 SPEED CITATIONS: 31 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 2 MOVING CITATIONS: 52 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 6 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 25 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 2 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 67 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
(March 3, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Officer Patricia Gould on receiving the Meritorious Service Award, one of the Cape Coral Police Department’s highest honors.
From Sergeant Paul Kaye’s nomination:
On January 29th, 2022 Officer Gould responded to a home in the 100 block of SE 13th Avenue for a checkup request (911 hangup), with no information available as to what was occurring there. Upon arrival Officer Gould attempted contact at the front door. A woman exited the residence in an agitated state, quickly walking away from the residence and muttering something about a man with a gun. A second subject (a man) then partially exited the home out the front door.
Concerned for the well-being of the woman, Officer Gould attempted to determine if the male subject was armed. Seconds later, multiple gunshots could be heard by Officer Gould near the front/inside the residence. Officer Gould immediately acted and moved the woman out of view of the front of the residence. The woman ran to nearby bushes while Officer Gould took up a tactical position ensuring the safety of the woman, but also prepared to address any threats from inside the residence.
Officer Gould began relaying information to dispatch including valuable tactical information that was used to establish a perimeter and assist in determining the next course of action by responding officers. Officer Gould heard several additional shots from the residence, again relaying this information to dispatch.
Officer Gould reassessed her position and moved, doing so to further ensure the safety of the woman, provide herself with cover, provide additional information to dispatch and address any threats from the occupants of the residence. Officer Gould maintained this position while additional resources were being organized. Officers utilizing the BearCat armored vehicle were able to extricate Officer Gould from the scene, and with her assistance were able to locate the woman hiding in the brush and remove her to safety.
Officer Gould’s actions during this stressful and demanding situation were commendable. She never faltered in addressing the immediate threats while maintaining her composure, and throughout the episode kept the safety of the woman as one of her primary concerns.
I am requesting Officer Gould’s exceptional performance of duty and courage be recognized with a Meritorious Service Award.
Chief Tony Sizemore and Deputy Chief Mike Catania did so, presenting Officer Gould with the award.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(March 4, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tonight, March 4th, 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
(March 7, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on March 4th, 2022, specifically targeting aggressive driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its Aggressive Driving grant. This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in thirty-five citations (eight of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as one DUI arrest. No drivers stopped were found without a seatbelt, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
(March 9, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating CCPD Officer Shawn Frazin on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
From Lieutenant Patrick O’Grady’s nomination:
On February 7th, 2022, Officer Frazin responded to a medical call at the Chic-Fil-A on Pine Island Road. Officer Frazin quickly arrived on the scene and found an eight-year-old boy choking on chicken nuggets. Officer Frazin attempted to clear the obstruction by using the Heimlich maneuver, but it was unsuccessful. Officer Frazin performed a finger sweep after seeing chicken nuggets obstructing his airway. Officer Frazin was able to remove the food and clear the boy’s airway allowing him to breathe on his own. Lee County EMS arrived on the scene and medically cleared the boy.
If Officer Frazin had not performed the finger sweep, this could have ended in tragedy.
For this reason, Officer Shawn Frazin received the Lifesaving Award from Chief Tony Sizemore.
Chief Tony Sizemore with Lifesaving Award recipient Officer Shawn Frazin
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
