On January 31, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an officer from the Cape Coral Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for several traffic infractions at the 1800 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway East, Cape Coral, Lee County, Florida.
Contact was made with Anthony Alexio Tatum (W/M 10-05-1988, 1070 Grandys Lane #622, Lewisville, TX), who was this vehicle’s driver and sole occupant. When officers initially contacted Mr. Tatum, he was immediately argumentative and refused to identify himself. Mr. Tatum rolled up his window leaving a small 2-inch space open where he continued to disregard officers’ orders.
After being given numerous opportunities, Mr. Tatum continued to refuse to provide his identification and orders to step out of the vehicle. Officers utilized a department-issued window breaker to break the vehicle’s window to allow them to open the door and remove Mr. Tatum. Mr. Tatum continued to physically resist efforts to place him into handcuffs.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Tatum had three dogs in a covered kennel in the rear bed of his truck. These makeshift kennels were surrounded by plywood and wrapped in a tarp. There was poor ventilation, and the temperature inside the kennels was uncomfortably hot.
The dogs were panting from the scorching temperatures and appeared visibly distressed. The dogs covered in feces had bloody mouths from attempting to escape these unpleasant conditions. No food or water was located inside any of the kennels.
All three dogs were transferred into the care of Lee County Domestic Animal Services.
Mr. Tatum was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.
Mr. Tatum was charged with the following:
*Resisting Without Violence F.S.S. 843.02.
*Failure to Register a Motor Vehicle F.S.S. 320.02(1).
On January 23, 2023, at approximately 5:09 p.m. Officers from the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic accident at the intersection of Del Prado Blvd S/ SE 4th Street. Major Crash Investigators responded to the scene.
DATE: January 23, 2023 at 5:09 pm
LOCATION: Del Prado Boulevard South/Southeast 4th Street
VEHICLE 1: 2020 blue Dodge Challenger, driven by Marvin Lyndale Tory, B/M, 07/06/1988, of Fort Myers. Tory suffered no injuries in the traffic crash.
BICYCLE 1: Camouflage E-cells Super Monarch Crown electric bicycle driven by John Stephen Kopins, W/M, 03/07/1956, of Cape Coral. Kopins suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
SYNOPSIS:
Vehicle 1 was south on Del Prado Boulevard S, in the middle lane, approaching the intersection of Southeast 4th Street.
Bicycle 1 was in the northbound left turn lane of Del Prado Boulevard S, at the intersection of Southeast 4th Street.
Bicycle 1 turned left into the path of Vehicle 1. The front right bumper of Vehicle 1 impacted the right side of Bicycle 1. The bicyclist was ejected from Bicycle 1 and slid approximately 27 feet to the southwest where he came to final rest up against the curb, on the west side of the roadway, just south of the intersection. Bicycle 1 broke into several pieces and was thrown to the southwest. The frame and rear wheel struck a light pole approximately 60 feet southwest of the point of impact where it broke apart and came to final rest. Vehicle 1 traveled approximately 140 feet after impact before coming to final rest in the middle lane of Del Prado Boulevard S, facing south.
The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and sustained life-threatening injuries. Life-saving measures were attempted on scene by officers and witnesses. The bicyclist was transported, via ambulance, to Cape Coral Hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
The driver of Vehicle 1 suffered no injuries as a result of the traffic crash.
This traffic crash IS NOT alcohol/drug related. 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, or submitting a tip to CCPDtips@capecoral.gov
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
The results of the 11th annual Holiday for Heroes Food Drive benefiting the Harry Chapin Food Bank are in, and our city’s incredible generosity has shown.
Cape Coral Police Officers were stationed at Neighborhood Walmart locations at both 3920 Skyline Boulevard and 505 SW Pine Island Road on November 17th, 2022. From these two locations, they collected over 1,000 pounds of food and $2,600 in cash for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. These donations will go directly to those in need in our area.
Over the eleven years the Cape Coral Police Department has held this event, this brings the food collection total to approximately 25.5 TONS of assistance for the less fortunate.
The Cape Coral Police Department thanks our amazing citizens for their kindness and generosity in making this possible.
The Cape Coral Police Department proudly announces our annual Fill the Boat Toy Drive. This event was created here in Cape Coral by Cape Coral Police Officer (US Coast Guard Reserve) Matt Squires 16 years ago.
December 2, 2022, through December 4, 2022, the Cape Coral Police Department will hold its 16th Annual Fill The Boat Toy Drive. Our Marine Boat will be stationed at the Walmart Supercenter (1619 Del Prado Blvd South) on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 3, 2022, & Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Those wishing to participate can purchase a new unwrapped toy and place it in the boat. At the end of the toy drive, the toys will be taken to the Cape Coral Police Department, where they are distributed to children in need throughout Cape Coral in time for the holidays.
The Cape Coral Police Department will be celebrating its 20th Annual Shop With A Cop Event onThursday, December 22nd 2022.
Shoppers will need to be picked up and dropped off at Super Walmart on Del Prado. Parents will need to drop off their child at 9 a.m. and pick them up by 11 a.m., at the Super Walmart, on Del Prado, in Cape Coral. Once the child arrives, they will sign in, receive a name tag with the officer’s name and pair off with their officer. The officer will stay with the child the entire time, as the two enjoy their holiday shopping experience and learn a little bit about each other.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #33 and the Cape Coral Police Department’s “Do The Right Thing” program sponsors makes this event possible. The event allows officers to spend positive one-on-one time with Cape Coral’s children focusing on everyone having a great time!
This year especially, there are more children than ever whose families are having financial difficulties. Each year, the department chooses approximately 40 students to participate in the program. Once the team is paired off, a group photo is taken before the two go off on their shopping spree. After shopping and before parents come to pick them up, the pair will be given a boxed lunch to go.
The “Do The Right Thing” program reinforces the idea of sharing and giving while promoting the idea that law enforcement role models are vital to the development of our youth. The positive one-on-one experience each student receives from “Shop with a Cop” is one that the pair will never forget.
The Cape Coral Police Department is now accepting applications for this year’s “Shop With A Cop”. The event will take place Thursday, December 22nd.
To nominate a child, parents should pick up a nomination form at the Cape Coral Police Department’s lobby or visit our website at capecops.com
You must be able to drop your child off by 9:00 am and pick them up by 11:00 am on Thursday, December 22ndto shop.
Child must be in grade Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Child and family must live in Cape Coral.
Application, liability release and a photo release must be received no later thanFriday, November 18that:
Cape Coral Police Department 1100 Cultural Park Blvd Cape Coral, FL 33990 Attn: Shop with a Cop (the application may be mailed or dropped off)
If your application is chosenyou will be notified by phone no later than Wednesday, November 23rd. If your application is not chosen for “Shop With A Cop” it will automatically be rolled over to our “Fill The Boat” Program.
On September 16, 2022, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Cape Coral Police Department officers were dispatched to 1206 Cape Coral Parkway East (7-Eleven) in reference to an in-progress motor vehicle theft.
The call notes stated that the victim had left an unlocked and running van at the gas pumps. The victim said they noticed two people walking near the vehicle while they were inside the store. Shortly after, the vehicle exited the parking lot and traveled eastbound on Cape Coral Parkway East.
The subjects were described as wearing a black mask that covered all around the head, and the other was described as wearing a blue mask.
Officers arrived at the scene and met with the victim, who further explained what had occurred and provided a description of the vehicle/ license plate. A B.O.L.O “be on the lookout” was immediately provided to surrounding agencies. A Deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office located this suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop at 6100-Block of Whiskey Creek Drive, Fort Myers.
The front seat passenger was identified as Xavier David Sturgeon (W/M 2-6-2003, Transient), and the driver was identified as Nicole Lynn Waynee (W/F 6-3-1998, Transient); both were immediately detained.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Sturgeon stated that Ms. Waynee had the idea to take this vehicle because they had no means of leaving Cape Coral. Mr. Sturgeon noted that he knew the vehicle was not Ms. Waynee’s. Ms. Waynee refused to speak to officers.
Search incident to arrest inside of Ms. Waynee’s purse officers located eight credit cards, a checkbook, social security card, and a birth certificate, all of which did not belong to Ms. Waynee. A black watch and two key fobs were also inside the purse. Cape Coral Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit detectives arrived at the scene and assisted with the investigation. Detectives contacted the owner of the contents of the purse. The owner said they did not give either Ms. Waynee or Mr. Sturgeon permission to take these items.
Mr. Sturgeon told detectives that Ms. Waynee and he shared the purse to store items, and they both had knowledge of the contents and carried the bag regularly. These items were stolen from a friend of Ms. Waynee.
Mr. Sturgeon & Ms. Waynee were subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.
Mr. Sturgeon was charged with the following:
Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)(6).
Failure to Appear F.S.S. 843.15(1)(b).
Use or Possess ID of Another Person Without Consent F.S.S. 817.568) (2)(a).
Grand Theft F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)(1).
Ms. Wayne was charged with the following:
Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)(6).
Driving While License Suspended F.S.S. 322.34(2)(a).
Use or Possess ID of Another Person Without Consent F.S.S. 817.568) (2)(a).
