A Cape Coral man is facing many charges after allegedly fleeing officers on an all-terrain vehicle Sunday night following a domestic violence incident in northwest Cape Coral.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home at 8:40 p.m. for a weapons-related disturbance.
Police said they got a report that Damion Scott Stafford, 44, had been drinking and was armed with a knife, making threats. He fled the area on a red Yamaha ATV before police arrived.
Police established a perimeter around Wilmington Parkway and Nelson Road North. Shortly after, an officer saw a shirtless male matching Stafford’s description riding an ATV with no lights on. When the police tried to stop him, he said he refused to pull over and drove away.
Neighbors said they couldn’t believe what they heard and witnessed Sunday night.
“I grew up riding four-wheelers and stuff, so I’m kind of used to seeing them all the time. But in regards to them being chased by the cops, now, I don’t see that very often,” said neighbor Jeremy Amoroso.
During the chase, which police say lasted nearly 30 miles and reached speeds of more than 80 mph, Stafford allegedly drove through residential areas, looked back at the pursuing officer, and gestured as if holding a pistol.
“He was motioning about a firearm. He was flipping off the officer behind him. He was obviously acknowledging the officer behind him. So it’s not like he could say he had no idea someone was following him, first of all, the lights and sirens were activated,” said Lisa Greenberg with the CCPD.
After swerving back and forth, Stafford flipped the police off with his middle finger before driving away again.
At one point, he seemed to take a huge knife from his pocket, which police claim he dropped in the road. The weapon was eventually retrieved.
Stafford missed to turn and slammed into an embankment, bringing the pursuit to a halt.
“I just heard a helicopter make a few passes around the house. Went out and back patio to see what was going on. We saw a two cop cars fly by the back of the house, and then one was blocking off the exit to the neighborhood,” said Amoroso.
Police stated he did not obey directions, so a K-9 officer’s dog bit Stafford in the leg. He was then brought into prison.
He was hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash and dog bite, and authorities discovered symptoms of intoxication, including a blood alcohol level of 0.2%.
Stafford was lodged into the Lee County Jail after receiving a medical clearance.
“I’m glad no one else got injured regarding him running into a house or another car on the road. I’m glad none of the cops got injured either,” said Amoroso.
Stafford is facing several accusations, including assault with a dangerous weapon without intent to murder, aggravated fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and possession of a hidden weapon by a convicted felon.
