Arrest made in bank robbery
A Cape Coral man accused of robbing a bank last week was behind bars Thursday.
Jose Benitez Jr., 45, of 1330 N.E. 20th Place, was arrested and charged Tuesday with robbery with firearm and larceny grand theft $10,000 less than $20,000, as well as three counts of assault with intent to commit a felony. He was also charged with drugs possess controlled substance without prescription and opium or derivative traffic 4 grams to under 30 kilograms, according to jail booking records.
Benitez is being held at the Lee County Jail without bond.
At about 9:40 a.m. Oct. 8, a man entered the Iberia Bank, at 812 S. Del Prado Blvd., and threatened bank personnel. After demanding cash, he received an undisclosed amount of it and fled on foot.
Cape Coral police officials reported that detectives worked on the case non-stop for over a week. Piecing together eyewitness accounts, surveillance video, tips from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers and forensic evidence, they were able to show probable cause and obtained a warrant for Benitez.
At about 2 p.m. Tuesday, officers served the search warrant at Benitez’s residence.
He was taken into custody without incident, according to officials.
Detectives seized additional items of evidence from the home. While executing the warrant, officers reportedly observed narcotics out in the open in plain view and Benitez was additionally charged.
“This is a great example of the police department and community working together,” Sgt. Dana Coston, spokesman for the CCPD, said. “Witnesses willing to talk to us and tipsters willing to step up and make a call were key in helping detectives identify and apprehend this violent offender.”
Benitez nor a family member could be reached for comment Thursday on the allegations.
He has a court appearance scheduled for Nov. 17.