Press Releases

Search for officer's attacker
July 12, 2008

Police need your help identifying and tracking down a young man who attacked an officer in the middle of the night last month. Trish Routte with Crime Stoppers has the story.

A uniformed police officer, on routine patrol, is assaulted and knocked unconscious in the middle of the night. It’s a case that has the Punta Gorda Police Department reaching out to the public… to help identify a violent criminal.

“It’s a very small town. Most people know each other – or know of each other. We are confident that we will identify this person – it’s just a matter of time,” said Troy Bettencourt of the Punta Gorda Police Department.

The suspect attacked the on-duty officer, who was trying to find out why the young man, dressed all in black, was roaming around Burnt Store Isles.

Officer Coley encountered the suspect in an otherwise quiet Punta Gorda neighborhood just after midnight on a Monday morning. Chances are, the suspect was up to no good – perhaps getting ready to burglarize one of these nearby homes. But when those plans were averted, the suspect went on the attack and Officer Coley became the victim.

"He got out to talk to the individual, went around his vehicle to speak to him, and the suspect immediately struck him in the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious," Bettencourt said.

The suspect took off into the neighborhood, and seemingly disappeared. Fortunately, the officer has recovered from the attack, and is back on the job. But the search for his assailant continues.

“It’s more concerning when it’s upon an officer, because it shows an increased level of brazenness on the part of the perpetrator…. Then 7:15 – 7:20 – “Once we identify who they are, I think we’ll see there’s been a history of interaction with law enforcement in the past," Bettencourt said.

The City of Punta Gorda is offering a $5,000 reward for information on this case, coupled with additional reward money from Crime Stoppers.

“Take a look at the sketch and see if perhaps it reminds them of anybody. If so, please give Crime Stoppers a call, provide that lead and we will follow up.”

Anyone with information on the suspect who attacked Punta Gorda Police Officer Caswell Coley on June 16th is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips can also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.