SPD releases weekly blotter
As Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, the Sanibel Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and secure. To support that effort, a weekly police blotter will be issued on Tuesday that will include real time information about law enforcement response to criminal activity.
ARRESTS
– Laura Lee Elias, 37, of 815 Water St., Tampa, was charged on Aug. 2 with one count of DUI unlawful blood alcohol DUI influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Jose Miguel Picado Gamboa, 33, of 5607 Crestwood Lake Ave., Fort Myers, was charged on Aug. 1 with one count each of attach registration license plate not assigned and counterfeiting of motor vehicle identification number plates or decal.
OTHER ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
– On July 31, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle with a faulty taillight. The driver was subsequently issued a warning for the taillight and a notice to appear for knowingly driving with a suspended license.
– On Aug. 1, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. As an officer approached the vehicle on foot, it sped away at a high rate of speed. Officers terminated pursuit after visual contact with the vehicle was lost. Calls to 911 reported the vehicle driving recklessly on Periwinkle Way, Lindgren Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway as it left the island. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been stolen from a local car rental company. Investigation is ongoing.
– On Aug. 3, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle for excessive speed. A search was then initiated due to the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A total of 3.7 grams of marijuana were discovered and seized for destruction. The parents of juveniles in the vehicle were contacted and advised of the situation.
– On Aug. 5, officers responded to The Lighthouse Resort & Club, at 210 Periwinkle Way, in reference to past occurred vandalism. Further investigation revealed multiple windows and a glass shower door had been broken with a hammer, fire extinguisher and paver. A surveillance camera captured three individuals trespassing on the property on Aug. 4 at 8:41 p.m., which matched the time frame of the vandalism. If anyone has information regarding the case or the identity of the three individuals, contact the Sanibel Police Department using one of the methods at the bottom of this blotter.
ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS STATISTICS
From July 30 to Aug. 5:
– Alarm calls (business and residential): 13
– 911 non-emergency calls: 20
– Traffic crashes: 1
– Radar details: 38
– Traffic stops: 38
— Citations issued: 16
— Written warnings issued: 1
— Verbal warnings issued: 24
– Residential area checks: 295
– Business area checks: 164
– Total area checks: 840
– Reported burglaries: 1
– Reported thefts: 0
– Total CAD calls: 1,098
August 2024 to date:
– Alarm calls (business and residential): 10
– Non-emergency calls: 11
– Traffic crashes: 1
– Radar details: 16
– Traffic stops: 19
— Citations issued: 12
— Written warnings issued: 0
— Verbal warnings issued: 10
– Residential area checks: 195
– Business area checks: 116
– Total area checks: 559
– Reported burglaries: 1
– Reported thefts: 0
– Total CAD calls: 721
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Roadside parking is not allowed on Sanibel and is enforceable with a $150 fine.
When leaving Sanibel, motorists are encouraged to travel east on Periwinkle Way. In order to minimize the number of vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods and increase traffic flow, priority is being given to vehicles eastbound on Periwinkle. Motorists using Bailey Road southbound, Lindgren northbound and Periwinkle westbound may experience additional delays as traffic flows are adjusted for efficiency.
The 2024 Annual Beach Parking Permits are available at the Sanibel Recreation Center and are valid from the date of purchase through Nov. 30. The 2023 permits have expired and are no longer valid.
Information for the Sanibel Boat Ramp:
– Parking and boat launching fee is $40 per day.
– Parking and boat launching on weekends and holidays is with AC/BC permit only.
– Commercial use is prohibited.
– Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $500.
Solicitation is not allowed on Sanibel. Please share any photos of solicitation hang tags to police@mysanibel.com or use Tip411.
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Anonymous tips regarding crimes or suspicious activity can be submitted via Tip411:
– Text the keyword SANIBEL then your tip to 847411.
– Web tips can be submitted at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=22450.
– Use the free “Sanibel PD” app for your Android or iOS device.
The SPD’s non-emergency line is 239-472-3111.
Find the SPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanibelPolice.