(April 21, 2022)- The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on April 20th, 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 twenty citations (six of those for violating a traffic control or signal device). No drivers stopped were found without a seatbelt, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
(April 22, 2022)- On April 21st, 2022, Cape Coral Police officers responded to a call for service in reference to a disturbance where a male suspect identified as Christian Matthew Kimbrough (W/M, DOB: 6/3/2003, 313 Southwest 29th Street) was caught in the bed of a child. Mr. Kimbrough was hiding under the sheets in this child’s bedroom, who was later determined to be the victim. Cape Coral Police officers arrived on the scene and located Mr. Kimbrough as described in the bedroom of the child.
Cape Coral Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation. Mr. Kimbrough rode his bicycle to the child’s house and climbed through the bedroom window while the child was asleep. After climbing inside, the incident took place. Through the investigation, it was determined Mr. Kimbrough had full knowledge of the child’s age and they first met through Snapchat approximately a month prior to the incident occurring.
Mr. Kimbrough was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Battery (Victim 12-16 years old) F.S.S. 800.04(4)(a)(1).
Mr. Kimbrough was later transported to the Lee County Jail.
ARRESTED: Christian Matthew Kimbrough (W/M, DOB: 6/3/2003, 313 Southwest 29th Street).
CHARGES: Lewd or Lascivious Battery (Victim 12-16 years old) F.S.S. 800.04(4)(a)(1).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(April 22, 2022)- Sunday, April 24th, 2022, marks the one-year anniversary of the shooting that led to the death of Kevin Girard Palmer Jr. (B/M, DOB: 06-23-2001). The Cape Coral Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s help in solving this crime.
On April 24th, 2021, at around 4:30 a.m., Cape Coral Police Patrol officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of SE 6th Street. When officers arrived, they found multiple shell casings on the roadway of SE 1st Avenue.
At 4:45 a.m., a black male, identified as Kevin Girard Palmer Jr. (B/M, DOB: 6-23-2001), arrived at Cape Coral Hospital with a gunshot wound to his head. Due to the nature of the injury, Palmer was transferred to Lee Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, Palmer did not survive his injuries.
The investigation revealed a disturbance started after a family from Lehigh Acres rented a vacation rental house to celebrate their 17th birthday. An Instagram personality posted about the party, which resulted in multiple people arriving uninvited. A disturbance broke out a short distance away from the residence and multiple shots were fired, resulting in the death of Kevin Palmer.
This is an ongoing and active investigation, and even after extensive investigation, the Cape Coral Police Department believes there to be persons that were present at the scene but not yet identified who may have information on this case. If you or anyone you know has any information on the identity of the suspect(s) or anyone in party attendance that evening, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department by calling (239) 574-3223; by submitting an anonymous tip at www.capecops.com/tips; by sending us a message through our social media platforms; or by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please reference case report # 21-008921.
Kevin Girard Palmer Jr. (06/23/2001-04/24/2021).
Kevin Girard Palmer Jr. (06/23/2001-04/24/2021).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(April 25, 2022)- The Cape Coral Police Volunteer Unit (PVU) is now accepting applications for its upcoming academy class for those interested in becoming a member of the Cape Coral Police Department Police Volunteer Unit.
The Cape Coral Police Volunteer Unit academy runs from July 18th-22nd, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This academy is a fun and informative combination of classroom, lecture, and practical exercises that prepares new volunteers to hit the streets. Recruits will learn the basics of police procedures, how to operate department vehicles and equipment, direct traffic, communicate on our radios, and more.
Upon successfully completion of PVU academy class, the applicant will be assigned a road trainer and followed by a supervisor road test. All other information will be provided during the oral interview. Applicants must have a valid Florida driver’s license, be a Lee Country resident, and be at least 21 years old. Applications are available for pickup at the Police Department information desk Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Cape Coral Police Department has an incredibly active and vibrant Police Volunteer Unit. From administrative tasks at Police Headquarters to checking vacant homes for vacationing residents, to helping patrol the roads and waterways of Cape Coral, our Police Volunteer Unit is busy giving back to the community and helping to make Cape Coral a safe place to live, work, and play. The Cape Coral Police Department Police Volunteer Unit provides over $1 million/year in in-kind services every year!
If you have some time, and an interest in both giving back to your community and becoming part of a world-class law enforcement agency, the Cape Coral Police Department Police Volunteer Unit is for you! Download the application at the link below, fill it out and drop it off at the Cape Coral Police Department. Application deadline is June 24th, 2022. For more information, contact the Police Volunteer Unit at (239) 242-3346.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(April 25, 2022)- Please welcome Officer Brandon Sancho who has joined the Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Office.
Officer Sancho has been with the CCPD since 2018 and is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police, serving as a Public Affairs Officer for the Cape Coral Police Department.
Officer Sancho has previously served as a Patrol Officer in our Patrol Bureau, and as a Field Training Officer, he prepared new recruits for the rigors of police work. He is a recipient of a Lifesaving Award, Meritorious Service Award, and the department's highest honor, the Medal of Honor.
Before joining the Cape Coral Police Department Officer Sancho worked as a Citizen Liaison for Collier County Government where he handled major complaints and concerns directed to the County Manager and Board of County Commissioners. Officer Sancho also handled all public records requests and acted as the media’s point of contact for a request for information and records.
Officer Sancho holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Florida Southwestern State College.
In his new role, Officer Sancho helps with the day-to-day operations of the Public Affairs Office, including writing news releases, conducting interviews with members of the media, assisting with public records requests, engaging with citizens on social media, and creating new content for the web.
Photo: Officer Brandon Sancho has joined the Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Office. (Photo Courtesy of Cape Coral Police Department)
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(April 26, 2022)- The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on April 26th, 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 four citations ( thirty two of those for violating a traffic control or signal device). No drivers stopped were found without a seatbelt, and we thank the motoring public for always wearing your seatbelt.
(May 2, 2022)- On April 28th, 2022, at 9:26 p.m. Cape Coral Police officers responded to a call for service in reference to a robbery in progress at 924 NE Pine Island Road (Dollar General) where a male later identified to be the suspect brandished a large red in color knife and demanded money from the store clerk before exiting the store then fleeing the parking lot in a vehicle.
On April 29th, 2022, at 2:41 p.m. Cape Coral Police officers responded to a call for service in reference to a robbery in progress again at 924 NE Pine Island Road (Dollar General) where a male later identified to be the suspect, who also matched the same description from the previous night, brandished a red in color knife and demanded money from the store clerk before leaving in the same type of vehicle as described in the previous incident.
Cape Coral Police officers arrived on the scene and through investigation were able to determine this male was the same suspect from the previous incident. A comprehensive BOLO was provided and responding officers flooded the area.
An officer located a vehicle matching the same description close to crime scene, this vehicle was the suspected vehicle in the robbery that had just occurred. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver was identified as Roberto Borges (W/M DOB: 06-17-1969, 40 Northeast 9th Ave). Mr. Borges had a yellow plastic bag on his front seat like the Dollar General plastic bag where the victim had placed the money into before he left the store. A red in color knife was also located wedged near the front seats. The victim positively identified Mr. Borges as the person who committed these crimes on both days.
Mr. Borges was charged with the following for both incidents:
*Robbery F.S.S. 812.13(2)(a) Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F.S.S. 784.021(1)(a) / (22-010000).
*Robbery F.S.S. 812.13(2)(a) Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F.S.S. 784.021(1)(a) / (22-010046).
Surveillance video footage captures Mr. Borges on April 28th, 2022.
(May 4, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tomorrow, May 5th, 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, rideshare 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
(May 5, 2022)- On May 2nd, 2022, Cape Coral Police officers responded to a call for service in reference to a burglary and criminal mischief at 200-Block SE 26th Street. On scene officers met with the property owner who reported the glass to the rear French doors to the residence was damaged and it appeared someone had made entry.
Inside the residence, officers observed disarray, and numerous items of high value were left behind by an unknown person. Included with these items was a pill bottle that belonged to a male identified as Samuel Blake Sroufe (W/M 05-01-1964).
Cape Coral Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit responded and collected multiple latent fingerprints from the crime scene, our records were able to confirm a positive match for Samuel Blake Sroufe.
Contact was made with Mr. Sroufe who was located in the vicinity on May 4th, 2022 and was subsequently detained and transported to Cape Coral Police Department where he was interviewed. Mr. Sroufe confirmed he broke into the residence because he is currently a vagrant. He stated he broke into the unoccupied residence because he has nowhere to stay. Mr. Sroufe confirmed the items inside were his and he forced entry into the rear French doors to gain access to the residence.
Mr. Sroufe also had an active Felony Original Warrant out of Lee County Sheriff’s Office for Arson.
Mr. Sroufe was charged with the following:
*Criminal Mischief over $200.00 under $1000.00 F.S.S. 806.13(1)(b)(2).
* Burglary of a Dwelling-Unoccupied/Unarmed F.S.S. 810.02(3)(b).
ARRESTED: Samuel Blake Sroufe (W/M 05-01-1964, Vagrant).
CHARGES:
*Criminal Mischief over $200.00 under $1000.00 F.S.S. 806.13(1)(b)(2).
* Burglary of a Dwelling-Unoccupied/Unarmed F.S.S. 810.02(3)(b).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 6, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded DUI enforcement operation on May 5th, 2022, specifically targeting impaired driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in fifty-three citations (eighteen of those for violating a traffic control or signal device). 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: 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
TOTAL TRAFFIC STOPS: 68 WARNINGS: 22 SPEED CITATIONS: 20 SEATBELT CITATIONS: 0 MOVING CITATIONS: 40 NON-MOVING CITATIONS: 5 VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL/SIGNAL DEVICE: 18 OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER): 0 OPEN CONTAINER (PASSENGER): 0 .02 VIOLATION: 0 CRIMINAL CITATIONS: 5 CITATIONS (TOTAL): 53 DUI ARRESTS: 2 ARRESTS (OTHER): 0
ARRESTED: William Schramm, W/M, DOB 10/29/1963, 1824 SE 11th Place, Cape Coral CHARGES: DUI - Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Schramm was stopped for an improper U-turn. Signs of impairment were seen, and the resulting DUI investigation ended in his arrest. BAC% - .159
ARRESTED: Mauricio Luciano, W/M, DOB 10/19/1981, 523 SE 6th Place, Cape Coral CHARGES: DUI - Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Luciano was stopped for failure to maintain a single lane. Signs of impairment were seen, and the resulting DUI investigation ended in his arrest. BAC% - .241
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 6, 2022)- On April 29th, 2022, Cape Coral Police Department’s Vice Investigations and Narcotics Unit (VIN) served a search warrant at 1316 Diplomat Parkway West. After a lengthy and complex investigation Detectives located an extensive illegal marijuana grow operation in eight of the rooms inside of the residence.
In total, 86 plants with root systems and 216 clones that had yet to develop roots were located. Currently, the weight of the marijuana plants was 283.6 lbs.
The suspect identified as Walter Pereida Flores (W/M 05-11-1981) claimed ownership of the operation to include all the plants, equipment, and construction of the electrical wiring and piping used.
Mr. Pereida Flores was charged with the following:
*Marijuana-Trafficking or Manufacturing in Excess of 25lbs or 300 Plants F.S.S. 893.135(1)(a).
* Own/ Rent Structure for Trafficking or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance F.S.S. 893.135(1)(a).
Photo from inside of the residence 4/29/2022.
Walter Pereida Flores (W/M 05-11-1981)
ARRESTED: Walter Pereida Flores (W/M 05-11-1981, 1316 Diplomat Parkway West).
CHARGES:
*Marijuana-Trafficking or Manufacturing in Excess of 25lbs or 300 Plants F.S.S. 893.135(1)(a).
*Own/Rent Structure for Trafficking or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance F.S.S. 893.135(1)(a).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 9, 2022)- The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded traffic saturation operation on May 9th, 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 fifty-four citations ( thirty-one of those for violating a traffic control or signal device). One driver was cited for a seatbelt violation, and please remember always to wear your seatbelt.
(May 10, 2022)- On March 19th, 2022, Cape Coral Police Department’s Oasis Middle School Resource Officer and Oasis Middle School administration received an alert regarding a voicemail threat against Oasis Middle School. The alert claimed to be a student who attends the school, and this alert went on to explain that this student was armed with AR-15s and multiple guns. The threat said that on March 30th, 2022, a bomb threat would occur along with a “suicide vest”. The threat explained that this student would show up to the school with M16s and would throw pipe bombs through classroom windows.
Cape Coral Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit detectives lead this investigation and were able to determine these threats were fictitious and occurred over an online first-person shooting game. The suspect was able to be identified after a complex investigation as Jacob John Zacarias (W/M 05-06-2005, 164 Coral Road, Islamorada, FL). Mr. Zacarias got upset over allegations of infidelity and then plotted a plan to ruin this student who attends Oasis Middle School’s life and reputation.
Contact was made at Mr. Zacarias’s residence by Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who through their investigation were able to receive a full confession by Mr. Zacarias who admitted to all these threats. Through the combined efforts of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Police Department Major Crimes Unit submitted a warrant request which was approved, and Mr. Zacarias was then subsequently placed under arrest by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office at his current location for these threats.
Mr. Zacarias was charged with the following:
*Threat to Throw, Project, Place, or Discharge any Destructive Device, F.S.S. 790.162.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 10, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating Cape Coral Police Officers Kelvis Rodriguez, Officer Robert Cantrell, and K9 Officer Brian Aponte on receiving the Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
From Sergeant Philip Mullen’s nomination:
On April 16th, 2022, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Officer Kelvis Rodriguez and Officer Robert Cantrell were the first to arrive at a shooting call (22-008917) where a victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The officers found the victim just inside the front door bleeding heavily with a gunshot wound to the neck as well as two to the abdomen. Officer Rodriguez immediately began lifesaving wound care while Officer Cantrell cleared the residence. Officer Cantrell returned to the patient once the house was deemed safe, grabbing towels from the kitchen to help stop the bleeding. K9 Officer Brian Aponte arrived, and all three officers then provided critical wound care and encouraged the victim to remain conscious and stay positive, continuing to do so until medics could arrive to transport.
Despite the extremely serious nature of the victim's injuries, the actions of these officers kept the victim alive, and the victim is expected to survive as of the writing of this nomination. These Officers acted without hesitation to save the victim’s life and are highly deserving of the Department's Lifesaving Award.
For this reason, Officers Kelvis Rodriguez, Officer Robert Cantrell, and K9 Officer Brian Aponte received the Lifesaving Award on behalf of Chief Anthony Sizemore, Deputy Chief Michael Catania, and Deputy Chief Darren Mckenna.
Pictured From Left to Right: Chief Anthony Sizemore , Officer Robert Cantrell, Officer Kelvis Rodriquez, K9 Officer Brian Aponte.
Pictured From Left to Right: Deputy Chief Michael Catania, Chief Anthony Sizemore , Officer Robert Cantrell, Officer Kelvis Rodriquez, K9 Officer Brian Aponte, 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
(May 11, 2022) - Please join us in congratulating Cape Coral Police Officer Frank Scarlato on receiving a Lifesaving Award, one of the Department’s highest honors.
From Lieutenant Patrick O’Grady’s nomination:
On March 25, 2022, around 2:55 pm, Officer Frank Scarlato responded to a disturbance involving a 12-year-old who was out of control. While Officer Scarlato was in route to the
residence, the juvenile armed himself with a knife and then put the knife down. The male went to the rear of the house and broke out the sliding glass door. The scene was chaotic. The juvenile went to the front of the residence and broke a front window and cut himself. The Grandmother was crying for help and very scared. Officer Scarlato arrived on the scene and saw the juvenile had lost a lot of blood. Officer Scarlato remained calm during the situation and applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Had Officer Scarlato not remained calm and applied a tourniquet when he did, this could have ended in tragedy.
For this reason, Officer Scarlato received the Lifesaving Award on behalf of Chief Anthony Sizemore, Deputy Chief Michael Catania, and Deputy Chief Darren Mckenna.
Pictured From Left to Right: Deputy Chief Michael Catania, Chief Anthony Sizemore , Officer Frank Scarlato, 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
(May 13, 2022) - Again this year, communities across the United States will honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.
This year, the names of 619 officers killed in the line of duty (319 fatalities were COVID-19-related) are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 619 officers include 472 officers who were killed during 2021, plus 147 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.
The names of all 619 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated during the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil to be held on the National Mall in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm EDT on May 13, 2022. For more information and to register for the Candlelight Vigil, go to NLEOMF.org/RegisterCV.
(May 16, 2022)- On May 15, 2022, Cape Coral Police officers responded to a call for service in reference to a robbery at 1526 Chiquita Blvd S (7-Eleven) where it was alleged that a male suspect demanded money from the store clerk before exiting the store then fleeing the parking lot in a vehicle.
Responding officers arrived on the scene and spoke to the store clerk and other witnesses who confirmed that a male later identified as John Douglas Smith (W/M 5-22-1996) barreled through the front doors of the store and demanded money before going behind the counter and in a hostile rant confronting the store employee. Mr. Smith saw that other patrons were calling 911 and he immediately fled the store in a silver in color Honda 4-door.
A responding officer was able to locate this suspect vehicle in the immediate area as described with the same license plate number one of the witnesses provided. In a fully marked and equipped Cape Coral Police Department police vehicle a traffic stop was attempted on this suspect vehicle. This vehicle proceeded and continue to drive disregarding the police vehicles overhead with red and blue lights and sirens.A tire deflation device was utilized, and the suspect vehicle eventually came to a final stop on Interstate 75 near mile marker 151, with the help of the Charlotte County Sheriffs' Office Mr. Smith was apprehended without further issue. Mr. Smith continued to act manic while in custody and made threats to shoot an investigating officer in the head. Mr. Smith is currently on probation and supervised release status for the offense of a previous robbery. Mr. Smith was transported to the Lee County Jail.
Mr. Smith was charged with the following:
*Robbery- No Firearm or Weapon F.S.S. 812.13(2)(c).
* Flee/Elude Police-Flee Elude LEO with Light Siren Active F.S.S.316.1935(2).
*Intimidation-Threat with Death Serious Bodily Harm LEO F.S.S. 836.12(2).
* Violation of Probation F.S.S. 948.06.
ARRESTED: John Douglas Smith (W/M 5-22-1996, 2237 SW 15th Ave).
CHARGES:
*Robbery- No Firearm or Weapon F.S.S. 812.13(2)(c).
* Flee/Elude Police-Flee Elude LEO with Light Siren Active F.S.S.316.1935(2).
*Intimidation-Threat with Death Serious Bodily Harm LEO F.S.S. 836.12(2).
* Violation of Probation F.S.S. 948.06.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 19, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department will be conducting a DUI enforcement operation tomorrow, May 20th, 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 from several jurisdictions. 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, rideshare 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
(May 23, 2022) - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a grant-funded multi-jurisdictional DUI enforcement operation on May 20th, 2022, specifically targeting impaired driving. Funding was provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This operation was conducted citywide and resulted in eighty seven citations (thirty of those for violating a traffic control or signal device) as well as three traffic arrests. Three drivers were stopped for driving without a seatbelt.
Traffic stop for speed (56/40) led to a DUI investigation. Mr. Almanza refused to participate in SFSE’s and refused to provide a breath sample however, he admitted to being high on marijuana and unable to operate a motor vehicle.
A reckless driver call was received, and the suspect vehicle was located by an officer who stopped on Burnt Store Road without utilizing the hazard lights. Officers made contact with the driver Mr. Opatkiewicz which led to a DUI investigation, and he was found to be impaired; breath refused.
ARRESTED: Randall David Armstrong, W/M 07-24-1986, 4131 SE 3rd Ave, Cape Coral.
CHARGES: DUI - Influence of Alcohol or Drugs /DUI Refusal/Possession Cannabis under 20 grams/Possession of Paraphernalia.
A traffic stop for following too closely led to the discovery that the driver was impaired. Mr. Armstrong refused to perform SFSE’s and refused to provide a breath sample. Cannabis and paraphernalia (bong/syringes) located within the vehicle.
ARRESTED: Frank Morgan B/M, 04-19-1992, 7891 Reflection Cove SR #303, Fort Myers. CHARGES: DUI - Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.
A traffic stop for driving the wrong way on SE 47th Terrace led to the discovery that Mr. Morgan was impaired. BAC .054/.049. Cannabis located on the driver’s person and in the vehicle. DRE pending.
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-3341
(May 25, 2022)- On May 25, 2022, Cape Coral Police officers initiated a call for service at approximately 1:10 a.m. in reference to a male passed out in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle at 1622 NE Pine Island Road (WAWA). An officer made contact with a male later identified as Matthew Dominic Demauro(W/M 03-09-1982, 1029 NE 4th Street). The front cabin of the vehicle had numerous open beer cans and a strong smell of alcoholic beverage poured from the vehicle's widow. Based on Mr. Demauro’s visible signs of possible impairment he was asked to exit the vehicle so officers could perform Standardized Field Sobriety Test/Evaluations (SFSTs). Mr. Demauro refused to exit the vehicle and disregarded the officers’ lawful orders.
The front driver’s door was opened, and Mr. Demauro quickly swung both of his legs out of the vehicle, stood up, and then forcefully pushed the officer back. Mr. Demauro began actively resisting the officers’ efforts to detain him and took flight on foot through the parking lot where he eventually fell due to his elevated state of intoxication. After a brief struggle as the officer attempted to detain him in handcuffs, he took flight again through the parking lot where he was then safely taken into custody by the officer who utilizing his department issued taser.
Mr. Demauro refused to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Test/Evaluations (SFSTs) and refused to provide a sample of his breath. Mr. Demauro’s vehicle was searched and inventoried after arrest and officers located a fixed blade knife with a taped handle within reach by the driver’s side door. Several pills were also located that were identified as a controlled substance.
Mr. Demauro was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.
Mr. Demaruo was charged with the following:
* Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer F.S.S. 784.07(2)(b).
* Possession of a Controlled Substance F.S.S. 893.13(6)(a).
* Resisting with Violence F.S.S. 843.01.
* Driving While License Suspended F.S.S. 322.34(2).
* D.U.I. F.S.S. 316.193 (2)(a).
* D.U.I. Refusal with Prior Refusal F.S.S. 316.1939(1)(a).
* Carrying a Concealed Weapon F.S.S. 790.01(1).
ARRESTED: Matthew Dominic Demauro (W/M 03-09-1982, 1029 NE 4th Street).
CHARGES:
* Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer F.S.S. 784.07(2)(b).
* Possession of a Controlled Substance F.S.S. 893.13(6)(a).
* Resisting with Violence F.S.S. 843.01.
* Driving While License Suspended F.S.S. 322.34(2).
* D.U.I. F.S.S. 316.193 (2)(a).
* D.U.I. Refusal with Prior Refusal F.S.S. 316.1939(1)(a).
* Carrying a Concealed Weapon F.S.S. 790.01(1).
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CAPE CORAL POLICE DEPARTMENT | Public Affairs Office | 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard | Cape Coral, FL 33990 | (239) 242-334
