By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/13/09
A 20-year-old Cape Coral man told police that he was robbed at knife point while jogging at a park.
The man, a Florida A&M student, said he was at Koza Saladino Park at 301 S.W. 30th Terrace when a Hispanic male grabbed him from behind and robbed him with a knife.
The incident reportedly occurred at 10:10 a.m. Monday.
The victim was told to hand over his gold chain and mp3 player, valued at $650. He was then told to lie down and not look at the suspect, reports state.
The suspect fled the area in a black Jeep Cherokee, the victim told police.
Police canvassed the area but were unsuccessful in locating a suspect. Officials said Tuesday afternoon that no arrests had been made.
A Cape Coral detective continues to investigate the incident.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
North Fort Myers teacher faces third molestation charge; Police: Another victim in class says ‘touched’
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/11/09
A North Fort Myers teacher, accused in July of sex crimes against two second-grade females, has been accused of committing similar acts against a third victim from his classroom.
David Ashley McNabb, 51, of 11982 Glen Ave., Fort Myers, faces three counts of molestation of a victim under 12 years old. He also faces one count of sexual battery against a victim under 12 years old, a capital felony, according to records from the Lee County Clerk of Courts.
McNabb has been suspended from teaching at Tropic Isles Elementary in North Fort Myers pending the outcome of his legal case as well as a separate investigation by the Lee County School District.
In addition, he was ordered earlier this month not to leave Lee County, to stay away from public schools and day cares and not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18, court records indicate.
McNabb pleaded not guilty to the July charges, which stemmed from an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff's Office after two young girls from McNabb's class accused him of touching them inappropriately in the classroom.
A third victim said Thursday during an interview with Children's Advocacy Center workers that she had been touched by McNabb between December and June on several occasions.
McNabb had been released from the Lee County Jail on $135,000 bond from the July charges when he was arrested Friday. He was rereleased on $30,000 bond Saturday afternoon.
McNabb will be arraigned on the charges Monday before Judge Ramiro Manalich.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/11/09
A North Fort Myers teacher, accused in July of sex crimes against two second-grade females, has been accused of committing similar acts against a third victim from his classroom.
David Ashley McNabb, 51, of 11982 Glen Ave., Fort Myers, faces three counts of molestation of a victim under 12 years old. He also faces one count of sexual battery against a victim under 12 years old, a capital felony, according to records from the Lee County Clerk of Courts.
McNabb has been suspended from teaching at Tropic Isles Elementary in North Fort Myers pending the outcome of his legal case as well as a separate investigation by the Lee County School District.
In addition, he was ordered earlier this month not to leave Lee County, to stay away from public schools and day cares and not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18, court records indicate.
McNabb pleaded not guilty to the July charges, which stemmed from an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff's Office after two young girls from McNabb's class accused him of touching them inappropriately in the classroom.
A third victim said Thursday during an interview with Children's Advocacy Center workers that she had been touched by McNabb between December and June on several occasions.
McNabb had been released from the Lee County Jail on $135,000 bond from the July charges when he was arrested Friday. He was rereleased on $30,000 bond Saturday afternoon.
McNabb will be arraigned on the charges Monday before Judge Ramiro Manalich.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Shearod jury rejects murder, robbery charges; Finds Cape Coral man guilty of armed burglary
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/8/09
Damion Shearod is not guilty of felony murder in the shooting death of his friend, John Patrick Moore Jr., 21, during a 2007 botched robbery attempt.
The 22-year-old is not guilty of attempted armed robbery with a firearm.
He is guilty, according to a four-man, two-woman Lee County jury, of armed burglary of a dwelling.
State attorneys spent the better part of a week attempting to convince jurors that on May 16, Cape Coral resident Jacob Seckler shot and killed Moore with Moore's revolver as he and Shearod attempted to rob Seckler at gunpoint.
Shearod, they argued, was responsible for Moore's death because he was a principal to an attempted robbery on Seckler and his wife, Elizabeth Kachnic, at their home.
"For better or for worse, (Moore) got his justice," Assistant State Attorney David Maijala said during his closing arguments Friday. "Today I ask that you give Jacob Seckler his justice. Convict Damion Shearod on all counts."
However, after almost three hours behind closed doors Friday evening, the six jurors reached a unanimous verdict indicating Shearod was not criminally responsible for Moore's death.
"Obviously that wasn't the outcome we were hoping for, but burglary while armed is a serious offense and we were glad to get a conviction on that," Maijala said following the trial's conclusion.
Maijala said he wasn't sure what factors may have contributed to the jury's decision, nor would the jury members comment on the decision as they left Lee Circuit Judge Mark Steinbeck's courtroom late Friday evening.
"If I could read jurors' minds I would win every case," Maijala said.
Shearod's defense attorney, Maria Pace, declined comment Friday.
"One young man has lost his life because of this incident," Pace said during closing arguments. "Myself and Mr. Shearod ask you to go back to the evidence, the conflicts in the state's case, the lack of evidence in the state's case, and return a verdict of not guilty, and give back Mr. Shearod's life."
Shearod took the stand in his own defense Friday, telling his version of the events leading to Moore's death.
Shearod rode with Moore and Moore's girlfriend, Jazzmyne Carrol-Love, from Fort Myers to Seckler's Cape Coral home when told Moore needed to "pick something up," Shearod testified.
Shearod, Moore and Carrol-Love passed Seckler's home, circled the block then returned as Seckler mowed his lawn, Shearod said. Shearod testified that he and Moore got out of the car and Moore brandished a revolver, leading to a struggle between Moore and Seckler over the gun.
Shearod said he shoved Seckler and fled, at which point shots were fired.
"I didn't really know what was going on, I was just scared," Shearod said. "I took off running, because I didn't want to get shot."
Carrol-Love, who was detained by police after fleeing the scene in Shearod's car, was initially charged in the incident. According to court documents, the state did not file charges against Carrol-Love because of insufficient evidence.
Shearod and Moore had never discussed a robbery, and Shearod often gave his friend rides so he thought nothing of the trip to Cape Coral, he told jurors.
"I didn't know where we were going, I just gave him the keys," Shearod testified.
Kachnic also testified Friday, and was called by the defense as a hostile witness for purposes of questioning.
The legal definition of a hostile witness suggests that he or she is considered aggressive or adversarial to the party calling the witness to testify. The ruling allows attorneys to ask leading questions on direct examination, a line of questioning normally only allowed during cross examination.
According to testimony, Kachnic and Seckler both believed an acquaintance of Kachnic's named Carroll Cody was behind the incident leading to Moore's death.
Kachnic, who said Cody cleaned her home, said Cody admitted to stealing a watch valued at $5,000-6,000.
Cody has not been accused as a suspect or charged in the incident.
Neither Kachnic nor Seckler could immediately be reached by telephone Friday evening.
Kachnic was inside her home when Moore and Shearod approached Seckler in the home's front entryway, she said.
"I heard Jacob scream," Kachnic said. "He asked me to call 911."
Friday marks the second time Shearod has faced, but not been convicted of, murder charges.
A jury found Shearod guilty of second-degree murder in the 2005 shooting death of 18-year-old Giannis V. Avrampopulos in Lehigh Acres. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, however the charge was later dropped, according to court records.
Shearod will be sentenced Oct. 5.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/8/09
Damion Shearod is not guilty of felony murder in the shooting death of his friend, John Patrick Moore Jr., 21, during a 2007 botched robbery attempt.
The 22-year-old is not guilty of attempted armed robbery with a firearm.
He is guilty, according to a four-man, two-woman Lee County jury, of armed burglary of a dwelling.
State attorneys spent the better part of a week attempting to convince jurors that on May 16, Cape Coral resident Jacob Seckler shot and killed Moore with Moore's revolver as he and Shearod attempted to rob Seckler at gunpoint.
Shearod, they argued, was responsible for Moore's death because he was a principal to an attempted robbery on Seckler and his wife, Elizabeth Kachnic, at their home.
"For better or for worse, (Moore) got his justice," Assistant State Attorney David Maijala said during his closing arguments Friday. "Today I ask that you give Jacob Seckler his justice. Convict Damion Shearod on all counts."
However, after almost three hours behind closed doors Friday evening, the six jurors reached a unanimous verdict indicating Shearod was not criminally responsible for Moore's death.
"Obviously that wasn't the outcome we were hoping for, but burglary while armed is a serious offense and we were glad to get a conviction on that," Maijala said following the trial's conclusion.
Maijala said he wasn't sure what factors may have contributed to the jury's decision, nor would the jury members comment on the decision as they left Lee Circuit Judge Mark Steinbeck's courtroom late Friday evening.
"If I could read jurors' minds I would win every case," Maijala said.
Shearod's defense attorney, Maria Pace, declined comment Friday.
"One young man has lost his life because of this incident," Pace said during closing arguments. "Myself and Mr. Shearod ask you to go back to the evidence, the conflicts in the state's case, the lack of evidence in the state's case, and return a verdict of not guilty, and give back Mr. Shearod's life."
Shearod took the stand in his own defense Friday, telling his version of the events leading to Moore's death.
Shearod rode with Moore and Moore's girlfriend, Jazzmyne Carrol-Love, from Fort Myers to Seckler's Cape Coral home when told Moore needed to "pick something up," Shearod testified.
Shearod, Moore and Carrol-Love passed Seckler's home, circled the block then returned as Seckler mowed his lawn, Shearod said. Shearod testified that he and Moore got out of the car and Moore brandished a revolver, leading to a struggle between Moore and Seckler over the gun.
Shearod said he shoved Seckler and fled, at which point shots were fired.
"I didn't really know what was going on, I was just scared," Shearod said. "I took off running, because I didn't want to get shot."
Carrol-Love, who was detained by police after fleeing the scene in Shearod's car, was initially charged in the incident. According to court documents, the state did not file charges against Carrol-Love because of insufficient evidence.
Shearod and Moore had never discussed a robbery, and Shearod often gave his friend rides so he thought nothing of the trip to Cape Coral, he told jurors.
"I didn't know where we were going, I just gave him the keys," Shearod testified.
Kachnic also testified Friday, and was called by the defense as a hostile witness for purposes of questioning.
The legal definition of a hostile witness suggests that he or she is considered aggressive or adversarial to the party calling the witness to testify. The ruling allows attorneys to ask leading questions on direct examination, a line of questioning normally only allowed during cross examination.
According to testimony, Kachnic and Seckler both believed an acquaintance of Kachnic's named Carroll Cody was behind the incident leading to Moore's death.
Kachnic, who said Cody cleaned her home, said Cody admitted to stealing a watch valued at $5,000-6,000.
Cody has not been accused as a suspect or charged in the incident.
Neither Kachnic nor Seckler could immediately be reached by telephone Friday evening.
Kachnic was inside her home when Moore and Shearod approached Seckler in the home's front entryway, she said.
"I heard Jacob scream," Kachnic said. "He asked me to call 911."
Friday marks the second time Shearod has faced, but not been convicted of, murder charges.
A jury found Shearod guilty of second-degree murder in the 2005 shooting death of 18-year-old Giannis V. Avrampopulos in Lehigh Acres. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, however the charge was later dropped, according to court records.
Shearod will be sentenced Oct. 5.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Defendant says he knew nothing about robbery; Police interviews played for jury
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/7/09
Jurors listened to audio Thursday of Damion Shearod telling police his version of events leading up to the fatal shooting of his friend during a botched robbery attempt.
An eight-person jury must decide if Shearod, 22, is guilty in connection to the incident that ended with the death of 21-year-old John Patrick Moore Jr., reportedly as the two attempted to rob Cape Coral resident Jacob Seckler at his home May 16, 2007.
Moore was killed when Seckler gained control of Moore's revolver and shot him, and Shearod has been charged as a principal in the death.
He faces the charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted armed robbery with a firearm and armed burglary.
"I just don't want you guys to think I had anything to do with this," jurors heard Shearod tell officers in the recorded interview.
Shearod maintained that he knew nothing of the robbery or of Moore's .357-caliber Magnum Smith and Wesson revolver until Moore pointed it at Seckler.
Moore called him and asked that the two go to Cape Coral with Moore's girlfriend, Jazzmyne Carrol-Love, so Moore could run an errand, Shearod told police.
He said they talked about girls, not a robbery, as they waited for Carrol-Love to arrive at Moore's apartment so the three could leave together.
When the group drove past Seckler's home a second time, Shearod noticed but said he thought nothing sinister of it.
Even as Moore exited the vehicle to approach Seckler in his yard, Shearod said he thought Moore was only picking something up from the residence.
"(Moore) said (to Shearod), 'You better come up there with me,'" Shearod said.
"(Moore) pulls his gun out, says 'Lay down' (to Seckler). I won't ever forget that look. (Seckler) gave us a look like, 'Who are you guys?'"
Shearod said Seckler refused to lay down and a confrontation between Seckler and Moore occurred at the front door, at which point Moore's gun dropped to the ground.
As Moore and Seckler struggled for the gun, Shearod fled, he said.
"I heard three to four shots, and when I looked back I saw my car drive off. I thought (Moore) grabbed the gun and shot (Seckler), so I got scared," Shearod told the officers. "I thought, 'They're going to pin this on me.'"
According to testimony by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf, one of the shots fired by Seckler hit Moore in the left side of his back. The bullet severed his pulmonary veins and aortic artery, causing him to bleed to death in Seckler's front yard.
The state rested its case Thursday against Shearod, and the defense will call its first witness at 9:15 a.m. today.
The defense anticipates Shearod will take the stand in his own defense, and council may call one additional witness.
The state may present a rebuttal, then attorneys will give their closing arguments. After the judge's instructions on the law, the jury will begin deliberations.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/7/09
Jurors listened to audio Thursday of Damion Shearod telling police his version of events leading up to the fatal shooting of his friend during a botched robbery attempt.
An eight-person jury must decide if Shearod, 22, is guilty in connection to the incident that ended with the death of 21-year-old John Patrick Moore Jr., reportedly as the two attempted to rob Cape Coral resident Jacob Seckler at his home May 16, 2007.
Moore was killed when Seckler gained control of Moore's revolver and shot him, and Shearod has been charged as a principal in the death.
He faces the charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted armed robbery with a firearm and armed burglary.
"I just don't want you guys to think I had anything to do with this," jurors heard Shearod tell officers in the recorded interview.
Shearod maintained that he knew nothing of the robbery or of Moore's .357-caliber Magnum Smith and Wesson revolver until Moore pointed it at Seckler.
Moore called him and asked that the two go to Cape Coral with Moore's girlfriend, Jazzmyne Carrol-Love, so Moore could run an errand, Shearod told police.
He said they talked about girls, not a robbery, as they waited for Carrol-Love to arrive at Moore's apartment so the three could leave together.
When the group drove past Seckler's home a second time, Shearod noticed but said he thought nothing sinister of it.
Even as Moore exited the vehicle to approach Seckler in his yard, Shearod said he thought Moore was only picking something up from the residence.
"(Moore) said (to Shearod), 'You better come up there with me,'" Shearod said.
"(Moore) pulls his gun out, says 'Lay down' (to Seckler). I won't ever forget that look. (Seckler) gave us a look like, 'Who are you guys?'"
Shearod said Seckler refused to lay down and a confrontation between Seckler and Moore occurred at the front door, at which point Moore's gun dropped to the ground.
As Moore and Seckler struggled for the gun, Shearod fled, he said.
"I heard three to four shots, and when I looked back I saw my car drive off. I thought (Moore) grabbed the gun and shot (Seckler), so I got scared," Shearod told the officers. "I thought, 'They're going to pin this on me.'"
According to testimony by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf, one of the shots fired by Seckler hit Moore in the left side of his back. The bullet severed his pulmonary veins and aortic artery, causing him to bleed to death in Seckler's front yard.
The state rested its case Thursday against Shearod, and the defense will call its first witness at 9:15 a.m. today.
The defense anticipates Shearod will take the stand in his own defense, and council may call one additional witness.
The state may present a rebuttal, then attorneys will give their closing arguments. After the judge's instructions on the law, the jury will begin deliberations.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Murder trial opens for man in fatal foiled robbery; Victim and eyewitnesses take stand
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/6/09
The trial of a Fort Myers man charged as a principal in the shooting death of another during a botched armed robbery began Wednesday.
The robbery victim and eyewitnesses testified against Damion Shearod, 22, in connection to the May 16, 2007, incident.
Shearod is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted armed robbery with a firearm and armed burglary.
According to witness testimony, Shearod and 21-year-old John Patrick Moore Jr., armed with a revolver, attempted to rob Jacob Seckler at his Cape Coral home at 2125 N.E. First Ave.
Jazzmyne R. Carrol-Love, Moore's girlfriend, waited nearby in Shearod's car.
Seckler was mowing his lawn when Shearod and Moore confronted him with the gun, Seckler told the six-man, two-woman jury.
"I did what people do in wild west movies and put my hands in the air," he said. "I said, 'Are you kidding?' They said, 'You think we're kidding. We'll shoot you right here.'"
Seckler said Moore beat him with the gun in the entryway of the home, until Moore dropped the weapon and Seckler grabbed it, fatally shooting him in the front yard.
"I grabbed the gun," Seckler said. "I did not aim, I just turned around and started shooting."
Shearod fled, attempting to convince Cape resident Lisa Wright to give him a ride, then hiding in the back porch of another nearby home. He was found and detained by the police.
Seckler said he believed one of his wife's acquaintances, Carroll Cody, was behind the robbery, though Cody has not been accused or charged in the incident.
Cody reportedly admitted to stealing Seckler's expensive watch days before the robbery.
Seckler said Cody threatened to pour acid on his wife's face if she tried to get the watch back, though presiding Judge Mark Steinbeck asked the jury to disregard the information.
"I assumed that there was some connection (between Cody and the robbery)," Seckler said.
Carrol-Love also took the witness stand Wednesday, testifying that she saw Seckler shoot Moore.
"I just saw (Seckler) lift his hands and after that, all I remember is (Moore) coming to the end of the driveway and falling," she said. "I jumped into the front seat and I took off because I didn't know if the guy was going to shoot me.
"I had no idea where I was driving to, I just wanted to get from in front of his house because I didn't know what he was going to do," Carrol-Love said. "As soon as I got out of the neighborhood there was a policeman right behind me."
She said she did not realize Moore and Shearod had planned to rob Seckler until they approached him with the gun.
According to Cape Coral detective Walter Herman, Shearod also claimed that he was not initially aware of the robbery.
"He said, 'I didn't know my buddy was going to rob that white guy. I didn't touch the guy,'" Herman told the jury Wednesday.
Seckler testified that Shearod was an active participant in the robbery, and even bit him on the back during a struggle.
Shearod's trial resumes at 9 a.m. today.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/6/09
The trial of a Fort Myers man charged as a principal in the shooting death of another during a botched armed robbery began Wednesday.
The robbery victim and eyewitnesses testified against Damion Shearod, 22, in connection to the May 16, 2007, incident.
Shearod is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted armed robbery with a firearm and armed burglary.
According to witness testimony, Shearod and 21-year-old John Patrick Moore Jr., armed with a revolver, attempted to rob Jacob Seckler at his Cape Coral home at 2125 N.E. First Ave.
Jazzmyne R. Carrol-Love, Moore's girlfriend, waited nearby in Shearod's car.
Seckler was mowing his lawn when Shearod and Moore confronted him with the gun, Seckler told the six-man, two-woman jury.
"I did what people do in wild west movies and put my hands in the air," he said. "I said, 'Are you kidding?' They said, 'You think we're kidding. We'll shoot you right here.'"
Seckler said Moore beat him with the gun in the entryway of the home, until Moore dropped the weapon and Seckler grabbed it, fatally shooting him in the front yard.
"I grabbed the gun," Seckler said. "I did not aim, I just turned around and started shooting."
Shearod fled, attempting to convince Cape resident Lisa Wright to give him a ride, then hiding in the back porch of another nearby home. He was found and detained by the police.
Seckler said he believed one of his wife's acquaintances, Carroll Cody, was behind the robbery, though Cody has not been accused or charged in the incident.
Cody reportedly admitted to stealing Seckler's expensive watch days before the robbery.
Seckler said Cody threatened to pour acid on his wife's face if she tried to get the watch back, though presiding Judge Mark Steinbeck asked the jury to disregard the information.
"I assumed that there was some connection (between Cody and the robbery)," Seckler said.
Carrol-Love also took the witness stand Wednesday, testifying that she saw Seckler shoot Moore.
"I just saw (Seckler) lift his hands and after that, all I remember is (Moore) coming to the end of the driveway and falling," she said. "I jumped into the front seat and I took off because I didn't know if the guy was going to shoot me.
"I had no idea where I was driving to, I just wanted to get from in front of his house because I didn't know what he was going to do," Carrol-Love said. "As soon as I got out of the neighborhood there was a policeman right behind me."
She said she did not realize Moore and Shearod had planned to rob Seckler until they approached him with the gun.
According to Cape Coral detective Walter Herman, Shearod also claimed that he was not initially aware of the robbery.
"He said, 'I didn't know my buddy was going to rob that white guy. I didn't touch the guy,'" Herman told the jury Wednesday.
Seckler testified that Shearod was an active participant in the robbery, and even bit him on the back during a struggle.
Shearod's trial resumes at 9 a.m. today.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Police: Cape man sexually assaulted teen girl on island; Reportedly occurred while cleaning home
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/4/09
A Cape Coral man sexually assaulted a teenage girl Saturday in a Captiva rental home that the two were cleaning, according to sheriff's detectives.
Jose Mariano Sandoval Escobar, 38, of 1021 N.E. Fourth St., was booked Sunday into the Lee County Jail on charges of kidnapping and sexual battery of a victim between 12 and 18 years of age by a custodian.
He remained in jail on $100,000 bond Monday evening, according to booking records.
According to reports, Escobar and the victim were in a bedroom on the first floor of the home when he pushed her to the ground, dragged her into a closet and sexually assaulted her.
Escobar reportedly told the victim that he "loved and cared for her."
The victim told a Child Advocacy Center case worker that she attempted to scream for help and tried to call for help on her cell phone, but the two were alone in the house and Escobar threw the phone out of the her reach.
The victim also attempted to escape by biting Escobar's arm and shoulder, an arrest report states.
Escobar offered to buy the victim a pair of shoes and undergarments in exchange for her silence, she reportedly said.
Deputies located Escobar at the rental home, located in the 1500 block of Captiva Drive, and detained him for questioning.
He was later arrested on probable cause, detectives reported.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/4/09
A Cape Coral man sexually assaulted a teenage girl Saturday in a Captiva rental home that the two were cleaning, according to sheriff's detectives.
Jose Mariano Sandoval Escobar, 38, of 1021 N.E. Fourth St., was booked Sunday into the Lee County Jail on charges of kidnapping and sexual battery of a victim between 12 and 18 years of age by a custodian.
He remained in jail on $100,000 bond Monday evening, according to booking records.
According to reports, Escobar and the victim were in a bedroom on the first floor of the home when he pushed her to the ground, dragged her into a closet and sexually assaulted her.
Escobar reportedly told the victim that he "loved and cared for her."
The victim told a Child Advocacy Center case worker that she attempted to scream for help and tried to call for help on her cell phone, but the two were alone in the house and Escobar threw the phone out of the her reach.
The victim also attempted to escape by biting Escobar's arm and shoulder, an arrest report states.
Escobar offered to buy the victim a pair of shoes and undergarments in exchange for her silence, she reportedly said.
Deputies located Escobar at the rental home, located in the 1500 block of Captiva Drive, and detained him for questioning.
He was later arrested on probable cause, detectives reported.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Neighborhood Watch program to hold anti-crime poster contest
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/1/09
Eleven-year-old Tim Serrano uses his art to express himself.
For instance: Last year, Tim expressed why he thinks drugs are harmful during the Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral's "Give Crime a Going Away Party" poster contest.
"I drew all these different drugs, and all this different stuff that's bad," Tim said of his contest entry, for which he won third place in his age group. "They were walking down the street into a black hole. It said dead end."
The local Neighborhood Watch group will hold another poster contest this year, called "Team Up-Strike Out Crime and Drugs." The contest is for children and young adults from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Submissions are being accepted at the Cape Coral Art Studio at 4522 Coronado Parkway; the Cape Coral Police Station at 815 Nicholas Parkway; the Cape Coral Public Library at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace; and FOS Furniture at 790 Del Prado Boulevard. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 11.
Tim said he's considering entering the contest again this year.
"I think that all neighborhoods should get rid of all drugs, but not just neighborhoods, every place should get rid of drugs," he said. "It hurts people and if they have kids, it will get them addicted to it."
Drawing is a way for the Trafalgar Middle School 6th-grader to express his feelings.
"If you feel down or something you can draw your feelings, because it's a world of imagination when you pick up that pencil and start drawing," he said.
Tim also used his award-winning drawing last year to set an example for his 7-year-old sister, Megan.
"I thought it would teach her to be better and not do this kind of thing," Tim said. "I tried to make a good example of Cape Coral."
Tim's mother, Eileen Serrano, encouraged her children to enter the contest in 2008 and keeps an open line of communication in her household.
"We keep them very aware of what's going on," Serrano said. "They really like doing it because it really helps them to be aware of their community and trying to keep the crime and drugs and things out of our community."
Serrano said she supports Neighborhood Watch's efforts and understands the importance of residents to keep their community safe.
"I think the parents play a big role in what goes on in our community," she said. "We have to all look out for each other."
Last year, between 60 and 70 youths entered the contest, and more are expected to enter this year, according to Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral President Pat Foote.
"It was a great success last year," Foote said. "It was amazing to see the work that was done."
Foote said the contest brought families together and highlighted the talents and knowledge of young people in Cape Coral.
"It surprised us on what a young age the kids know about drugs. You get your kids involved and they know what's going on," she said.
Contest entrants may use watercolor, crayons, pencils, markers, paints or other mediums on 8-inch by 11-inch medium to heavy-weight paper. A name, age or grade level and phone number should be included on the back of each poster.
The contest will be judged by a group of local artists, professionals and police officials.
First, second and third place winners will be recognized at a Sept. 29 ceremony. Their work will be displayed Oct. 3 at the "Celebrate Safe Communities" event between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Belks Department Store, 2342 Surfside Blvd.
Foote said the Neighborhood Watch program currently maintains more than 200 watches around the city, and has increased in numbers recently due to burglaries in north Cape Coral.
To learn more about Neighborhood Watch, residents can call 573-3048.
The Cape Coral Police Department will also perform a free safety inspection of residents' homes upon request, offering invaluable security tips, Foote said.
The Cape Coral Police Department's non-emergency number is 574-3223.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 8/1/09
Eleven-year-old Tim Serrano uses his art to express himself.
For instance: Last year, Tim expressed why he thinks drugs are harmful during the Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral's "Give Crime a Going Away Party" poster contest.
"I drew all these different drugs, and all this different stuff that's bad," Tim said of his contest entry, for which he won third place in his age group. "They were walking down the street into a black hole. It said dead end."
The local Neighborhood Watch group will hold another poster contest this year, called "Team Up-Strike Out Crime and Drugs." The contest is for children and young adults from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Submissions are being accepted at the Cape Coral Art Studio at 4522 Coronado Parkway; the Cape Coral Police Station at 815 Nicholas Parkway; the Cape Coral Public Library at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace; and FOS Furniture at 790 Del Prado Boulevard. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 11.
Tim said he's considering entering the contest again this year.
"I think that all neighborhoods should get rid of all drugs, but not just neighborhoods, every place should get rid of drugs," he said. "It hurts people and if they have kids, it will get them addicted to it."
Drawing is a way for the Trafalgar Middle School 6th-grader to express his feelings.
"If you feel down or something you can draw your feelings, because it's a world of imagination when you pick up that pencil and start drawing," he said.
Tim also used his award-winning drawing last year to set an example for his 7-year-old sister, Megan.
"I thought it would teach her to be better and not do this kind of thing," Tim said. "I tried to make a good example of Cape Coral."
Tim's mother, Eileen Serrano, encouraged her children to enter the contest in 2008 and keeps an open line of communication in her household.
"We keep them very aware of what's going on," Serrano said. "They really like doing it because it really helps them to be aware of their community and trying to keep the crime and drugs and things out of our community."
Serrano said she supports Neighborhood Watch's efforts and understands the importance of residents to keep their community safe.
"I think the parents play a big role in what goes on in our community," she said. "We have to all look out for each other."
Last year, between 60 and 70 youths entered the contest, and more are expected to enter this year, according to Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral President Pat Foote.
"It was a great success last year," Foote said. "It was amazing to see the work that was done."
Foote said the contest brought families together and highlighted the talents and knowledge of young people in Cape Coral.
"It surprised us on what a young age the kids know about drugs. You get your kids involved and they know what's going on," she said.
Contest entrants may use watercolor, crayons, pencils, markers, paints or other mediums on 8-inch by 11-inch medium to heavy-weight paper. A name, age or grade level and phone number should be included on the back of each poster.
The contest will be judged by a group of local artists, professionals and police officials.
First, second and third place winners will be recognized at a Sept. 29 ceremony. Their work will be displayed Oct. 3 at the "Celebrate Safe Communities" event between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Belks Department Store, 2342 Surfside Blvd.
Foote said the Neighborhood Watch program currently maintains more than 200 watches around the city, and has increased in numbers recently due to burglaries in north Cape Coral.
To learn more about Neighborhood Watch, residents can call 573-3048.
The Cape Coral Police Department will also perform a free safety inspection of residents' homes upon request, offering invaluable security tips, Foote said.
The Cape Coral Police Department's non-emergency number is 574-3223.
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