Dismas Jeffrey Ballez.
LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
A Cape Coral man was arrested after police say a road rage incident led to aggravated assault with a firearm.
Dismas Jeffrey Ballez, 18, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following an incident on Wednesday.
According to Cape Coral Police Department officials, just after 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a disturbance near the intersection of Santa Barbara Boulevard North and Northeast Pine Island Road. Police officials say information from the initial call indicated the driver of a black Cadillac sedan pointed a firearm at another car before fleeing the scene.
CCPD officials said they made contact with the victim, who reported being involved in a road rage encounter with a black Cadillac being driven by “a white male with dirty blonde hair and a thin beard.”
“The victim stated that the driver displayed a black handgun equipped with a green laser and pointed it in his direction while making threatening statements,” a CCPD release stated. “Fearing for his safety, the victim attempted to distance himself from the vehicle. While canvassing the area, a patrol officer located a vehicle matching the description at the KFC parking lot on Hancock Bridge Parkway, approximately 200 yards from the incident location. The driver was identified as Dismas Jeffrey Ballez.”
CCPD officials stated its investigation revealed that Ballez displayed his firearm, stating that he was “scared” during the encounter. Police officials state a passenger inside the vehicle confirmed that Ballez had brandished the weapon and pointed it toward the other vehicle.
“During a search of the vehicle, officers observed and secured a black handgun with a green laser attachment in plain view on the passenger seat,” CCPD’s release continued. “The firearm was seized and placed into CCPD evidence.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Ballez was still in custody at Lee County Jail being held on a $5,000 bond.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com