By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/28/09
Four Lee County American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the Daytona Beach area to assist in humanitarian efforts after flash flooding damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes last week.
Robin Moore, Suzanne Weiss, Ron Saberton and Betty Conley expect to spend about two weeks helping the Coast to Coast American Red Cross chapter in the Volusia and Flagler counties area, according to spokesperson Colin Downey.
Flooding from recent rains has affected approximately 1,500 homes and destroyed several throughout the area.
The four are slated to spend a couple of weeks helping affected residents, but ultimately they will stay as long as they are needed, whether that period of time is longer or shorter.
"There's a lot of preparation that goes into it before they leave," Downey said. "You never know going into one of those things how long you're going to be there."
The volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are ready to help within hours of being notified of a disaster.
Moore is a client case worker along with Weiss, a position which entails interviewing clients to assess their needs. They arrived in the area Wednesday afternoon, and their first task was to organize flooding information collected by the agency.
Moore said the opportunity to help those in need compelled her to volunteer for the Red Cross into her retirement years. She has been with the organization for two and a half years.
"The clients that we talk to, sometimes they've experienced a really desperate situation," Moore said. "We all have a passion for being volunteers for the Red Cross and being trained to respond to disasters."
According to the Associated Press, flash flooding - sparked by more than 21 inches of rain last week - caused approximately $55.1 million in losses.
Executive Director of Florida's Coast to Coast American Red Cross chapter Dan Roll said about 70 volunteers from across the state have gathered to help for disaster relief.
"In Florida we really partner with our neighbors," he said. "Ninety percent of our disaster response is run by volunteers. That's what makes our services so valuable. They have been driving our emergency response vehicles, running our shelters, loading supplies and working out in the flooded areas, which are often humid and muggy."
Roll said he is grateful to neighboring Red Cross chapters for helping the damaged areas, which were most heavily concentrated along low-lying expanses of U.S. Highway 1.
Since May 20, the Red Cross has opened three shelters, one of which remained open Wednesday evening with approximately 27 flood victims.
Volunteers also have handed out nearly 1,000 cleanup kits, including bleach, mops, buckets and other cleansing and sanitizing materials, Roll said.
President Barack Obama recently approved FEMA aid for the area.
The Associated Press reported that Gov. Charlie Crist requested as much as $50 million in federal disaster relief for the flood victims.
The Red Cross works with county and city officials and not-for-profit agencies communitywide in its disaster relief efforts, Roll said.
To learn more about the Lee County American Red Cross, visit: www.arclcc.org.
Information about the Coast to Coast chapter is available at: www.flcoasttocoastredcross.org.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Holiday robberies reported
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/27/09
Two separate robberies were reported in Cape Coral Monday evening at the Cape Coral-Lee County Library and a gas station on Palm Tree Boulevard.
The robberies were reported within a few hours of each other, though they do not appear to be related.
At about 8:10 p.m., a 24-year-old male victim reportedly told police he was robbed of $1,400 in cash and attacked with a knife in the parking lot of the library, located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace.
The victim, a Fort Myers resident, said he was meeting up with an individual named "Adam" to smoke marijuana in the library parking lot, according to police reports.
He claimed that two men accompanying Adam robbed him of the $1,400 after one of the men asked him to change $100, the reports state.
During the robbery, one of the men reportedly punched the victim and cut him with a knife from the passenger side of the victim's car, stating that the victim "liked to hurt little girls."
Reports state that the victim's ex-girlfriend told the victim "he got what he deserved" during a subsequent telephone conversation.
The victim and Adam could not locate the victim's assailants after the alleged robbery, according to reports.
At a 7-Eleven at 4700 Palm Tree Blvd., another 24-year-old male victim was reportedly battered and robbed at about 9:50 p.m.
The victim said he was walking to the store to purchase cigarettes when a red-haired male punched him in the nose, causing him to fall, according to reports.
The unknown male may have rifled through the victim's pockets or checked on the outside of his pants, and fled when he found nothing of value, reports state.
The victim was taken to the hospital to check if his nose was broken.
Police continue to investigate both incidents.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/27/09
Two separate robberies were reported in Cape Coral Monday evening at the Cape Coral-Lee County Library and a gas station on Palm Tree Boulevard.
The robberies were reported within a few hours of each other, though they do not appear to be related.
At about 8:10 p.m., a 24-year-old male victim reportedly told police he was robbed of $1,400 in cash and attacked with a knife in the parking lot of the library, located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace.
The victim, a Fort Myers resident, said he was meeting up with an individual named "Adam" to smoke marijuana in the library parking lot, according to police reports.
He claimed that two men accompanying Adam robbed him of the $1,400 after one of the men asked him to change $100, the reports state.
During the robbery, one of the men reportedly punched the victim and cut him with a knife from the passenger side of the victim's car, stating that the victim "liked to hurt little girls."
Reports state that the victim's ex-girlfriend told the victim "he got what he deserved" during a subsequent telephone conversation.
The victim and Adam could not locate the victim's assailants after the alleged robbery, according to reports.
At a 7-Eleven at 4700 Palm Tree Blvd., another 24-year-old male victim was reportedly battered and robbed at about 9:50 p.m.
The victim said he was walking to the store to purchase cigarettes when a red-haired male punched him in the nose, causing him to fall, according to reports.
The unknown male may have rifled through the victim's pockets or checked on the outside of his pants, and fled when he found nothing of value, reports state.
The victim was taken to the hospital to check if his nose was broken.
Police continue to investigate both incidents.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Police advise motorists to take care this holiday weekend
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/23/09
Millions more people will be hitting the roads this Memorial Day weekend with the hope of economic recovery on the horizon and an overall drop in gas prices from last year, travel officials say.
In other words, people are ready for a vacation and they're becoming more comfortable paying for it.
But with the increased road traffic throughout the United States this weekend-an estimated 1.3 million in Florida, according to AAA Club South-officials are emphasizing safety amongst motorists and police are stepping up patrols.
The Cape Coral Police Department began the weekend with a DUI checkpoint Friday evening, and will be well-prepared for driving-related issues, according to spokesperson Sgt. Lisa Barnes.
"Hopefully there will be no traffic issues and no major crashes, but there will be traffic enforcement all weekend long," Barnes said. "We will have plenty of people available to help with any issues."
The Lee County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol also are increasing their enforcement efforts this holiday.
"Every year during this time we do increase our patrols," said Tony Schall, a spokesperson for LCSO. "We're looking out for anybody who's not following the rules of the road or may be intoxicated, speeding, or careless driving. We know there're more people out on the roads traditionally this time of year, and that's why we'll increase our presence out there this time of year as well."
The Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on highways and state roads this weekend, bringing in administrative officers and volunteer Auxiliary and Reserve troopers to aid in the effort.
Motorists can also report aggressive driving or ask for motorist assistance by calling *347.
They are also participating in Operation CARE, All American Buckle Up week, and Click It or Ticket, campaigns which "focus on saving lives, preventing injuries and mitigating property damage associated with traffic crashes," according to a written release Friday.
FHP director Colonel John T. Czernis is quoted as saying, "Vehicle traffic is expected to increase throughout the state during the extended holiday weekend. The Florida Highway Patrol will use our resources to make Florida's roadways safer by reminding drivers to slow down and buckle up. Our troopers have a single goal in mind - to save lives and reduce serious injuries associated with traffic crashes."
Police also warn motorists to remember that a new Florida law, which allows officers to stop vehicles specifically for seatbelt violations, goes into effect June 30.
Nationwide, AAA Club South predicts 32.4 million people will travel this holiday, at an increase of 1.5 percent from Memorial Day weekend 2008. Florida will see a 3 percent increase in travel, 83 percent of that increase being car travel, the organization predicts.
Why the increase?
AAA spokesperson Gregg Laskoski said gas prices and a more optimistic economic outlook have a lot to do with it.
"Last year the recession was just beginning to take its grip on the economy, as prices were moving in this direction it was discouraging a lot of people and a lot of them postponed leisure travel plans," Laskoski said. "There's pent up demand to travel and people want to get out and go."
The average price of gasoline in 2008 was about $3.85 a gallon, and though gas prices are edging higher, the average now is about $2.39 a gallon, noticeably lower, Laskoski said.
But AAA is also aware of the increased potential for incidents on the roadways this weekend, and beseeches drivers to take care.
"Avoid any distractions that could take your mind and your eyes away from the road in front of you," Laskoski said.
That includes not using cell phones, being prepared for roadway congestion, wearing safety belts, and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, he said.
"A lot of folks traveling may be less familiar with the roadways they're driving on," Laskoski said.
Laskoski also suggests making sure vehicles are in good running order, checking things such as tire pressure and fluid levels, before hitting the roads.
Motorists can mitigate their Memorial Day worries by use the Florida Department of Transportation 511 phone system, which will provide real-time travel information regarding roadway conditions on Florida interstate highways, toll roads, and various metropolitan roads. Drivers can also access the information at www.FL511.com
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/23/09
Millions more people will be hitting the roads this Memorial Day weekend with the hope of economic recovery on the horizon and an overall drop in gas prices from last year, travel officials say.
In other words, people are ready for a vacation and they're becoming more comfortable paying for it.
But with the increased road traffic throughout the United States this weekend-an estimated 1.3 million in Florida, according to AAA Club South-officials are emphasizing safety amongst motorists and police are stepping up patrols.
The Cape Coral Police Department began the weekend with a DUI checkpoint Friday evening, and will be well-prepared for driving-related issues, according to spokesperson Sgt. Lisa Barnes.
"Hopefully there will be no traffic issues and no major crashes, but there will be traffic enforcement all weekend long," Barnes said. "We will have plenty of people available to help with any issues."
The Lee County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol also are increasing their enforcement efforts this holiday.
"Every year during this time we do increase our patrols," said Tony Schall, a spokesperson for LCSO. "We're looking out for anybody who's not following the rules of the road or may be intoxicated, speeding, or careless driving. We know there're more people out on the roads traditionally this time of year, and that's why we'll increase our presence out there this time of year as well."
The Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on highways and state roads this weekend, bringing in administrative officers and volunteer Auxiliary and Reserve troopers to aid in the effort.
Motorists can also report aggressive driving or ask for motorist assistance by calling *347.
They are also participating in Operation CARE, All American Buckle Up week, and Click It or Ticket, campaigns which "focus on saving lives, preventing injuries and mitigating property damage associated with traffic crashes," according to a written release Friday.
FHP director Colonel John T. Czernis is quoted as saying, "Vehicle traffic is expected to increase throughout the state during the extended holiday weekend. The Florida Highway Patrol will use our resources to make Florida's roadways safer by reminding drivers to slow down and buckle up. Our troopers have a single goal in mind - to save lives and reduce serious injuries associated with traffic crashes."
Police also warn motorists to remember that a new Florida law, which allows officers to stop vehicles specifically for seatbelt violations, goes into effect June 30.
Nationwide, AAA Club South predicts 32.4 million people will travel this holiday, at an increase of 1.5 percent from Memorial Day weekend 2008. Florida will see a 3 percent increase in travel, 83 percent of that increase being car travel, the organization predicts.
Why the increase?
AAA spokesperson Gregg Laskoski said gas prices and a more optimistic economic outlook have a lot to do with it.
"Last year the recession was just beginning to take its grip on the economy, as prices were moving in this direction it was discouraging a lot of people and a lot of them postponed leisure travel plans," Laskoski said. "There's pent up demand to travel and people want to get out and go."
The average price of gasoline in 2008 was about $3.85 a gallon, and though gas prices are edging higher, the average now is about $2.39 a gallon, noticeably lower, Laskoski said.
But AAA is also aware of the increased potential for incidents on the roadways this weekend, and beseeches drivers to take care.
"Avoid any distractions that could take your mind and your eyes away from the road in front of you," Laskoski said.
That includes not using cell phones, being prepared for roadway congestion, wearing safety belts, and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, he said.
"A lot of folks traveling may be less familiar with the roadways they're driving on," Laskoski said.
Laskoski also suggests making sure vehicles are in good running order, checking things such as tire pressure and fluid levels, before hitting the roads.
Motorists can mitigate their Memorial Day worries by use the Florida Department of Transportation 511 phone system, which will provide real-time travel information regarding roadway conditions on Florida interstate highways, toll roads, and various metropolitan roads. Drivers can also access the information at www.FL511.com
Friday, May 22, 2009
Separate traffic stops lead to three accused of drug possession in Cape
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/22/09
Two traffic stops along Veterans Parkway, within minutes of each other Wednesday evening, lead to three arrests for the possession and sale of heroin.
The arrests, two at 9:39 p.m. and one at 9:44 p.m., were the result of separate traffic stops - one for following too closely and the other for broken taillight - which lead to the reported discovery of narcotics by K-9 officer Jason Matyas and his dog, Zuke.
The stops were initiated separately by street officers Robert Luzarraga, Christopher Lucas, Doug Coons and Sgt. James O'Brien.
The arrests did not seem to be related, said Sgt. Lisa Barnes, a spokesperson for the Cape Coral Police Department.
"I think (the officers) just got really lucky," she said of the felony arrests. "They did a good job."
Michael W. Defoe Jr., 36, of Fort Myers, was pulled over by Luzarraga and Coons for following too closely in a Honda, less than a car length behind the car in front of him along Veterans Parkway, according to an arrest report.
Matyas and Zuke were called in as backup and reportedly discovered 14 grams of powdered heroin in the car, individually packaged in small baggies.
Defoe denied knowledge of the drugs and said they may have belonged to various individuals whom his wife lets drive his car since she does not have a license, the report states.
He was charged with possession of heroin with intent to sell.
Minutes earlier, Lucas and O'Brien pulled over a Ford with a reported broken left tail light on Veterans, with occupants Brittney Santos, 19, of Alva, and Erica Racz, 21, of Bokeelia.
Matyas and Zuke arrived as backup and Zuke was alerted to the presence of narcotics, according to reports.
Racz reportedly said, "I will save you the trouble, what you are looking for is in a box in the trunk. Now I want my lawyer."
Reports state the officers found a brown box in the trunk of the car with two clear plastic bags of powdered heroin and a cutting agent, totalling 57.1 grams. They also reportedly found a bag of marijuana in Racz's purse.
Racz was charged with possession of heroin over 10 grams, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of narcotic equipment. She posted a combined $32,000 bond and was released from the Lee County Jail Thursday.
Santos was charged with possession of heroin over 10 grams and possession of narcotic equipment. She was released from the Lee County Jail Thursday on $31,000 bond.
Defoe has posted $5,000 bond and been released from the Lee County Jail.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/22/09
Two traffic stops along Veterans Parkway, within minutes of each other Wednesday evening, lead to three arrests for the possession and sale of heroin.
The arrests, two at 9:39 p.m. and one at 9:44 p.m., were the result of separate traffic stops - one for following too closely and the other for broken taillight - which lead to the reported discovery of narcotics by K-9 officer Jason Matyas and his dog, Zuke.
The stops were initiated separately by street officers Robert Luzarraga, Christopher Lucas, Doug Coons and Sgt. James O'Brien.
The arrests did not seem to be related, said Sgt. Lisa Barnes, a spokesperson for the Cape Coral Police Department.
"I think (the officers) just got really lucky," she said of the felony arrests. "They did a good job."
Michael W. Defoe Jr., 36, of Fort Myers, was pulled over by Luzarraga and Coons for following too closely in a Honda, less than a car length behind the car in front of him along Veterans Parkway, according to an arrest report.
Matyas and Zuke were called in as backup and reportedly discovered 14 grams of powdered heroin in the car, individually packaged in small baggies.
Defoe denied knowledge of the drugs and said they may have belonged to various individuals whom his wife lets drive his car since she does not have a license, the report states.
He was charged with possession of heroin with intent to sell.
Minutes earlier, Lucas and O'Brien pulled over a Ford with a reported broken left tail light on Veterans, with occupants Brittney Santos, 19, of Alva, and Erica Racz, 21, of Bokeelia.
Matyas and Zuke arrived as backup and Zuke was alerted to the presence of narcotics, according to reports.
Racz reportedly said, "I will save you the trouble, what you are looking for is in a box in the trunk. Now I want my lawyer."
Reports state the officers found a brown box in the trunk of the car with two clear plastic bags of powdered heroin and a cutting agent, totalling 57.1 grams. They also reportedly found a bag of marijuana in Racz's purse.
Racz was charged with possession of heroin over 10 grams, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of narcotic equipment. She posted a combined $32,000 bond and was released from the Lee County Jail Thursday.
Santos was charged with possession of heroin over 10 grams and possession of narcotic equipment. She was released from the Lee County Jail Thursday on $31,000 bond.
Defoe has posted $5,000 bond and been released from the Lee County Jail.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Police: 13-year-old trying to set his Cape home on fire
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/21/09
A 13-year-old Cape Coral boy attempted to set his home on fire Tuesday evening and has been charged with arson, according to fire and police officials.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Cape Coral Fire and Police Departments determined Robert Archbell purposely set a fire on the lanai of the home, located in the 1500 block of Northeast 35th Terrace, while his friend was inside playing on the computer at about 7 p.m., according to an arrest report.
Robert reportedly told officers he had lit a vase full of gasoline on fire and carried it to the lanai. The fire caused smoke damage and scorching to the lanai area, reports state.
The State Fire Marshal was contacted after a Cape battalion chief discovered a burned shirt in the driveway of the home and a burned piece of paper in the side yard, apparently from previous fire incidents.
Robert's mother told police she did not keep matches or lighters in the home because of previous incidents of Robert playing with fire, according to reports.
Robert told police he lit a toothpick on fire using an electric stove in the home, then used the toothpick to light a candle and the candle to light the gasoline in the vase. An incident with a burning bowl of popcorn caused him to toss the popcorn bowl through the air, knocking the vase to the ground and creating an 8-foot circle of flames, reports state.
Robert's friend said he became aware of the incident when the smoke alarm in the home sounded, and he helped put it out.
Due to the fact that the home was occupied, Robert was charged with first-degree arson and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Reports indicate that the Department of Children and Families will follow up on the incident due to the fact that Robert was home without parental supervision.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/21/09
A 13-year-old Cape Coral boy attempted to set his home on fire Tuesday evening and has been charged with arson, according to fire and police officials.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Cape Coral Fire and Police Departments determined Robert Archbell purposely set a fire on the lanai of the home, located in the 1500 block of Northeast 35th Terrace, while his friend was inside playing on the computer at about 7 p.m., according to an arrest report.
Robert reportedly told officers he had lit a vase full of gasoline on fire and carried it to the lanai. The fire caused smoke damage and scorching to the lanai area, reports state.
The State Fire Marshal was contacted after a Cape battalion chief discovered a burned shirt in the driveway of the home and a burned piece of paper in the side yard, apparently from previous fire incidents.
Robert's mother told police she did not keep matches or lighters in the home because of previous incidents of Robert playing with fire, according to reports.
Robert told police he lit a toothpick on fire using an electric stove in the home, then used the toothpick to light a candle and the candle to light the gasoline in the vase. An incident with a burning bowl of popcorn caused him to toss the popcorn bowl through the air, knocking the vase to the ground and creating an 8-foot circle of flames, reports state.
Robert's friend said he became aware of the incident when the smoke alarm in the home sounded, and he helped put it out.
Due to the fact that the home was occupied, Robert was charged with first-degree arson and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Reports indicate that the Department of Children and Families will follow up on the incident due to the fact that Robert was home without parental supervision.
Two North Fort Myers firefighters charged in Tween Waters fist fight
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, the Sanibel-Captiva Islander and the North Fort Myers Neighbor 5/21/09
Two off-duty North Fort Myers firefighters were arrested and charged in a Captiva bar fight Tuesday evening and face an internal investigation by the North Fort Myers Fire District.
Anthony William Pearce and Erik Lee Arnold, both 29, were allegedly involved in a physical disturbance among 15-20 people in the parking lot of the Crows Nest Bar, part of the Tween Waters Inn at 15951 Captiva Drive, at about 9:31 p.m.
The fight caused a broken window and bloody injuries. It ended with a confrontation involving a sheriff's deputy's baton, Taser and handcuffs.
Both men have been with the North Fort Myers Fire District for more than four years, and have never had any disciplinary issues with the department prior to Tuesday's incident, said North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye.
"They're both excellent firefighters," he said. "They do a good job. We've never really ever had a problem with them. It's a very unfortunate incident, but it has happened and we are going to deal with it."
Pye said his department does not condone the actions of Pearce and Arnold, despite the fact that they were off duty at the time of the fight.
"They were off duty, but these gentlemen are firefighters," he said. "People look at that as a 24-hour job."
Pye said a parallel internal investigation, contingent on the outcome of any criminal action against the two, will determine what, if any, disciplinary steps will be taken.
Pearce and Arnold will likely be asked to attend anger management courses, he added.
When Deputy Michael Sawicki arrived on scene Tuesday, he observed Pearce injured, bloody and screaming as several men attempted to carry him away from the fight, according to police reports.
Sawicki said Arnold approached him aggressively, stating, "Take me to jail! Take me to jail!"
When Arnold refused to stop, Sawicki hit him several times with a collapsible baton and used his Taser until Arnold cooperated, according to the officer's report.
Tween Waters Inn employees told Sawicki that they witnessed Pearce, Arnold and an unknown male fighting. Arnold broke a window during the fight, they said.
Tween Waters Inn general manager Jeff Shuff could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Employees at the resort declined to comment in Shuff's absence.
Arnold was charged with resisting arrest with violence - a felony - and resisting a public lodge operator.
Pearce was charged with criminal mischief over $200 but under $1,000 and resisting a public lodge operator.
Pearce has been released on $2,000 bond, according to Lee County Jail booking records. Arnold has been released on $6,000 bond.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, the Sanibel-Captiva Islander and the North Fort Myers Neighbor 5/21/09
Two off-duty North Fort Myers firefighters were arrested and charged in a Captiva bar fight Tuesday evening and face an internal investigation by the North Fort Myers Fire District.
Anthony William Pearce and Erik Lee Arnold, both 29, were allegedly involved in a physical disturbance among 15-20 people in the parking lot of the Crows Nest Bar, part of the Tween Waters Inn at 15951 Captiva Drive, at about 9:31 p.m.
The fight caused a broken window and bloody injuries. It ended with a confrontation involving a sheriff's deputy's baton, Taser and handcuffs.
Both men have been with the North Fort Myers Fire District for more than four years, and have never had any disciplinary issues with the department prior to Tuesday's incident, said North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye.
"They're both excellent firefighters," he said. "They do a good job. We've never really ever had a problem with them. It's a very unfortunate incident, but it has happened and we are going to deal with it."
Pye said his department does not condone the actions of Pearce and Arnold, despite the fact that they were off duty at the time of the fight.
"They were off duty, but these gentlemen are firefighters," he said. "People look at that as a 24-hour job."
Pye said a parallel internal investigation, contingent on the outcome of any criminal action against the two, will determine what, if any, disciplinary steps will be taken.
Pearce and Arnold will likely be asked to attend anger management courses, he added.
When Deputy Michael Sawicki arrived on scene Tuesday, he observed Pearce injured, bloody and screaming as several men attempted to carry him away from the fight, according to police reports.
Sawicki said Arnold approached him aggressively, stating, "Take me to jail! Take me to jail!"
When Arnold refused to stop, Sawicki hit him several times with a collapsible baton and used his Taser until Arnold cooperated, according to the officer's report.
Tween Waters Inn employees told Sawicki that they witnessed Pearce, Arnold and an unknown male fighting. Arnold broke a window during the fight, they said.
Tween Waters Inn general manager Jeff Shuff could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Employees at the resort declined to comment in Shuff's absence.
Arnold was charged with resisting arrest with violence - a felony - and resisting a public lodge operator.
Pearce was charged with criminal mischief over $200 but under $1,000 and resisting a public lodge operator.
Pearce has been released on $2,000 bond, according to Lee County Jail booking records. Arnold has been released on $6,000 bond.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Man gets 10 years in purse snatching and battery incident involving elderly
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/20/09
A Fort Myers man accused of attacking and robbing a 90-year-old woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison following a one-day trial Tuesday.
A Lee County jury found Henry McCant Jr., 20, guilty of robbery by sudden snatching and battery of a person 65 or older after only an hour of deliberations in Judge Edward Volz's courtroom.
McCant Jr. snatched Evelyn Machette's purse and knocked her to the ground, injuring Machette, Nov. 7 at 3853 Cleveland Ave. near the Edison Mall.
"I think the sentencing was justified, but it's so sad that a young man like that should behave that way and then spend 10 years of his life in prison," Machette said Tuesday.
She declined further comment, citing emotional stress from the trial.
Machette was a state's witness during the trial, according to State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen.
"We are very satisfied with the verdict and with the sentencing, and we're proud of the victim for having the strength to take the stand and face her attacker," Syoen said.
McCant Jr. was also arrested Dec. 4 on drug charges after officials said he sold cocaine to an undercover officer.
Docket information from the Lee County Clerk of Courts indicates McCant Jr. was scheduled to stand trial for a third-degree felony drug charge as well Tuesday, however information regarding the charge was not available by press time.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/20/09
A Fort Myers man accused of attacking and robbing a 90-year-old woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison following a one-day trial Tuesday.
A Lee County jury found Henry McCant Jr., 20, guilty of robbery by sudden snatching and battery of a person 65 or older after only an hour of deliberations in Judge Edward Volz's courtroom.
McCant Jr. snatched Evelyn Machette's purse and knocked her to the ground, injuring Machette, Nov. 7 at 3853 Cleveland Ave. near the Edison Mall.
"I think the sentencing was justified, but it's so sad that a young man like that should behave that way and then spend 10 years of his life in prison," Machette said Tuesday.
She declined further comment, citing emotional stress from the trial.
Machette was a state's witness during the trial, according to State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen.
"We are very satisfied with the verdict and with the sentencing, and we're proud of the victim for having the strength to take the stand and face her attacker," Syoen said.
McCant Jr. was also arrested Dec. 4 on drug charges after officials said he sold cocaine to an undercover officer.
Docket information from the Lee County Clerk of Courts indicates McCant Jr. was scheduled to stand trial for a third-degree felony drug charge as well Tuesday, however information regarding the charge was not available by press time.
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