Off-duty Cape Coral officer crashes into house; DUI suspected

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — An off-duty Cape Coral police officer crashed her SUV into a home at 422 Nicholas Parkway E., the police department said.

Officer Emily Zyvoloski, 33, had a blood-alcohol level of .253 — more than three times the legal limit — when the crash took place around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a police report.

She’s at a hospital in fair condition. It’s unclear whether her injuries are life-threatening.

Zyvoloski, an officer since 2007, was driving a private vehicle and not a patrol car, the department said. She crashed into the garage of the home, which has significant structural damage. The homeowners are awaiting an estimate from their insurance company.

A criminal investigation is underway and charges are pending, the department said. Zyvoloski will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We hold ourselves and our officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off-duty,” police chief Dave Newlan said. “This crash is being investigated just like any other would be under similar circumstances. At the conclusion of the criminal investigation, the Professional Standards Bureau will conduct an internal investigation.”

The first officer who arrived on scene after the crash appeared to recognize Zyvoloski, according to Barbara Platt, who owns the home.

“He said, ‘Emily, is that you?’ because she said, ‘Hello officer,'” Platt said.

Speeding is an issue on the stretch of Nicholas Parkway near the home, Platt said, pointing to tire tracks in the median to show that drivers have trouble negotiating a curve.

“We need to have something done so people are safe, so you can feel free to come out in your front yard, walk your dog, whatever you need to do,” Platt said.

WINK News reporter Adam Wright has more information: