Intoxicated Restaurant Patron Arrested for Battery on Officers

(January 25, 2023)- On January 24, 2023, at approximately 09:07 p.m., officers from the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a call for service at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive (Fathoms Restaurant & Bar) in reference to a disturbance in progress.

The call notes stated that a female later identified as Clarella Nelson Potter (W/F 03-13-1941, 5781 Cape Harbour Drive #1301) was being combative with restaurant employees and was trying to punch them.

Responding officers arrived on the scene and made contact with Ms. Potter, who was visibly intoxicated. Ms. Potter was immediately uncooperative with responding officers as they attempted to locate a family member to take Ms. Potter to her residence and care for her.

Ms. Potter, in an intoxicated rage, grabbed one of the officers by the back of the neck. Ms. Potter then began slapping the officers’ hands as she was being escorted to a quieter place at the establishment. Ms. Potter was unwilling to provide officers with her identification and became belligerent screaming profanities and causing a scene at the busy restaurant. While being placed in handcuffs, she began kicking officers, striking one with full force in the groin area.

En route to the jail, Ms. Potter claimed that she would “kill” the arresting officer once she was out of handcuffed.

Ms. Potter was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.

Ms. Potter was charged with the following:

*  Battery LEO F.S.S. 784.07(2)(b), [3 Counts].

*  Intimidation – Threat of Death or Serious Bodily Harm LEO F.S.S. 836.12(2).

* Disorderly Conduct F.S.S.877.03.