Cape Coral Man Arrested After Driving With Speeds over 100 M.P.H.

(March 28, 2023)- On March 27, 2023, at approximately 10:28 p.m., an officer from the Cape Coral Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction at 4000-Block of Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral, Lee County, Florida.

This blue Jeep Wrangler was speeding and nearly struck another vehicle while driving without lights. The officer utilized radar and verified that the vehicle was traveling 80 M.P.H. in a posted 40 M.P.H. zone. The officer attempted a traffic stop on this vehicle. This vehicle continued to drive, disregarding the police vehicle's red and blue lights and sirens. The vehicle continued through an intersection with a steady red light. It took several evasive maneuvers by changing lanes, driving around other vehicles, and violating numerous traffic laws to flee from the officer. The officer disengaged from the traffic stop due to the heightened safety risk to other drivers on the roadway as the vehicle continued with speeds over 100 M.P.H.

The investigation revealed that this vehicle was being driven by Joseph Michael Patrick Ciccarelli (W/M 1-25-1987, 3324 SE 11th Place). Earlier in the night, Mr. Ciccarelli was involved in a traffic accident with this same vehicle. Based on the earlier encounter, officers could readily identify this suspect vehicle's driver. Officers contacted Mr. Ciccarelli nearby, who was unwilling to explain the reasoning for his reckless driving pattern.

Mr. Ciccarelli was subsequently transported to Lee County Jail.

Mr. Ciccarelli was charged with the following:

*Flee/Elude Police- Failure to Stop F.S.S. 316.1935(1).

* Flee/Elude Police-Flee Elude LEO with Light Siren Active at High-Speed F.S.S.316.1935(2).