Machete-wielding Cape Coral Man Arrested

(October 17, 2022)- On October 15, 2022, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Cape Coral Police Department officers responded to a call for service at 2100-Block of SW 12th Lane in reference to a burglary in progress.

The call notes stated that a neighbor, later identified as Matthew David Ditter (W/M 06-09-1984, 2111 SW 12th Lane), was attempting to break into the residence with a machete. The victim at this location stated the male was smashing out the front windows of the residence and vehicle windows in their driveway.

Officers arrived at the scene and could locate a male matching the description inside a closed garage at 2111 SW 12th Lane, Mr. Ditter was shouting from the garage’s window.  Mr. Ditter began yelling at officers through the closed garage door’s window to shoot him. Mr. Ditter continued to break windows and objects inside the garage with his hands. The male eventually opened the garage and refused verbal commands to comply. Cape Coral Police Department’s K9 was utilized for apprehension, and the male was detained. Mr. Ditter was covered in bleach and gasoline. Mr. Ditter was decontaminated and then medically cleared.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Ditter had a dispute at his residence and became irate. He acquired a machete and baseball bat and began damaging multiple items before proceeding to the victim’s residence. He then began attempting to enter the residence of the victim for an unknown reason. While attempting to enter the residence he shouted that he would kill all occupants inside.

Based on the erratic and violent behaviors displayed by Mr. Ditter, he was recommended as a Risk Protection Order candidate.

Mr. Ditter was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail as disorderly.

Mr. Ditter was charged with the following:

*Burglary of a Structure Armed F.S.S. 810.02(2)(b).

*Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F.S.S. 784.021(1)(a).

*Criminal Mischief F.S.S. 806.13(1)(b)(3), 6 Counts.

*Resisting Without Violence F.S.S. 843.02

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