One dead, two hurt in NE Cape SWAT situation

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- Cape Coral Police said one person is dead and two were injured after a domestic disturbance turned violent.

Just before 1:00 a.m. police responded to 1518 Northeast 43rd Lane. According to police, as officers arrived the suspect shot one person in the home and opened fire on police. Police returned fire and evacuated other people from the home. Officers then took cover and called in back up.

Neighbors were evacuated from their homes and could hear officers speaking with someone inside the home using a microphone system.

“Please tell us what’s happening, or tell us if you need medical attention,” said Sandra Ortega, a witness to the scene. “Show us some lights or open the windows.”

Daniel Ortega, another witness, said he could hear police saying, “Call 9-1-1, flash a curtain.”

Another neighbor caught the hostage negotiators trying to reach out to the suspect from outside the home.

“We don’t want any harm to come to your children… Please, come out with your children, and your hands up.”

SWAT members entered the home and found the suspect dead. A source told WINK News the estranged parents were fighting when the the dad started shooting. Four kids were inside. A mother and her 7-month-old were taken to a local hospital. Both were stable as of Saturday night.

Another neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous said one of the four children inside the home came running to her house moments after shots were fired.

“I heard a couple knocks on the door…I heard banging and then I got up. And as I got closer to the door, I heard cries and stuff and I was like who is it. She didn’t respond, she just kept crying and crying. So I opened the door, and she was crying and she screamed two times ‘he shot her, he shot her,'” explained the neighbor.

The Department of Children and Families confirmed they are investigating the family.

At this point, it is unclear if the suspect shot himself or died from police gunfire. Police Chief Bart Connelly released a statement Saturday.

“Regarding the shooting incident occurring in North Cape Coral this morning, the latest information we have on the condition of two victims, one being an infant, who were injured, is that they are both in stable condition. Our prayers continue for them and their family.

As for the deceased…the loss of life is tragic in any circumstance, and in this case, as with so many others, this death will affect many people for the rest of their lives. The protection of life is a primary mission of law enforcement and unfortunately, under certain circumstances, officers must take action in protecting life that causes the death of another. In most cases the decision resulting in that death rests with the deceased, not the officer.

At this time we are only 14 hours into a complicated investigation and information is limited. However, I will say that I am extremely proud of the heroic actions of our officers who placed themselves in harm’s way under gunfire, and for rendering aid to those wounded in this terrible act of violence. The citizens of Cape Coral can rest easy knowing the brave men and women of their police department will unselfishly serve and protect, without hesitation, even if that service places their own lives at risk.

This case remains an active investigation and information that can be released will be done so when it becomes available.”