Tips wanted: Bicyclist killed in Cape Coral hit-and-run

Cape Coral Police Department wants help from the public to track down a suspect in a deadly hit-and-run crash.

According to the CCPD press release, a 53-year-old man who had been riding a bicycle was found dead in a ditch in the 2300 block of NE Pine Island Road Friday morning. Investigators believe his body had been there for roughly six hours prior to discovery.

“While our very skilled traffic homicide investigators are hard at work with forensic evidence that we believe will lead to locating the vehicle and driver responsible for this crash, the public’s help can be critically important,” CCPD shared in its press release. “We are asking the public to please look out for a dark in color Ford Vehicle with passenger side front-end damage. The vehicle will have a broken passenger headlight with possible hood and corner panel damage also.”

“It’s disgusting that somebody would take off,” Bob Hayes said.

Investigators believe the man was riding on the paved shoulder when he was hit from behind overnight.

“Obviously, the car went off the road too because there’s big tire tracks like from wet ground,” Hayes said.

Hayes is an avid cyclist and rides often in the area of the crash and says it can be dangerous.

“I could have easily been there,” Hayes said.

Evidence also suggests the driver never stopped.

“They’re hitting the gas, and they’re running, and, you know, they could stop and help the person,” David Fasig said. “At least call 911 at the very least.”

Fasig is a member of the riding groups, Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club and Southwest Florida Critical Mass. One of their riders, Debra Purcaro, died in March in a hit-and-run during a cycling event.

“Our groups put up ghost bikes as a memorial and a reminder to people to watch out for bicycles,” Fasig said. “So I wanted to see where it happened in case, you know, we want to come out and put up a ghost bike.”

Fasig could not help but notice the similarities between the two crashes and hopes whoever is responsible will turn themselves in.

“We’re not just bicyclists. We’re people. We’re family,” Fasig said.

Cape Coral Police Department says there have been 10 deadly crashes and 30 major crash investigations in the city as of September in 2021.

Anyone with information on this crash can call CCPD at 239-574-3223.

Tipsters can also send an anonymous tip at to the CCPD tips page or CityProtect news tips, a message through CCPD social media platforms or call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS, using case report #21-019534.

“To the driver of this vehicle, we urge you to turn yourself in out of respect for the victim and his family and for your own benefit in bringing closure to this tragic incident,” Master Cpl. Phil Mullen said in the press release.