Duo faces drug charges after attempting to run from Cape Coral police

Two people were arrested after Cape Coral police say they tried fleeing from a traffic stop on Monday morning.

Police say they got a report of a man passed out in a running car with a syringe in his hand on the 3800-block of Southeast 15th Place. Police say the caller also said a female passenger was inside the vehicle.

When Lee County EMS and Fire responded to the area, they found the two people, identified as Handy Granda, 36, and Alexa Sophia Pierce, 27. The two said they were only sleeping and left the area.

As police arrived on the scene, they saw the car the two were in committing a traffic violation. When police stopped the duo on Del Prado Boulevard South, Granda and Pierce got out of the car and ran.

Pierce was found hiding behind a nearby business. Granda ran across Del Prado Boulevard, through a business and into a back alley, where officers caught up to him after they said he tripped and fell.

Police say members of the Valvoline Instant Oil Change station that Granda ran through helped them detain Granda.

Cape police say Granda and Pierce had narcotics on them and inside their vehicle. They also say this is the second time since Jan. 4 that Granda has fled from officers.

Granda and Pierce were arrested and taken to Lee County Jail.

Granda is facing charges of possession with intent to sell cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. He also faces charges of resisting arrest and driving with a suspended license.

Pierce faces charges of cocaine and amphetamine possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.