Cape Coral man accused of calling 911 during traffic stop for his son
Updated: 10:56 AM EDT Mar 26, 2026
A Cape Coral man is accused of calling 911 while Cape Coral police officers were conducting a traffic stop on his son.According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep for a move-over violation. The suspect, Joseph Minnella Jr., 63, and his son were in the car. An arrest report says that the son was driving the car when officers pulled them over. During the stop, officers say, they noticed Minnella Jr, dialing 911 because his son was being asked to speak with them. The report says that Minnella Jr. got out of the car and approached officers.CCPD says that a custodial hold was placed on Minnella Jr., however he became combative with officers. They add that he resisted attempts to restrain him and he had to be shocked with a stun gun.Joseph was arrested and is facing charges of misuse of 911 and resisting arrest. Officers say that a search of his person revealed a baggie of marijuana. He is facing an additional charge of drug possession.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
A Cape Coral man is accused of calling 911 while Cape Coral police officers were conducting a traffic stop on his son.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep for a move-over violation. The suspect, Joseph Minnella Jr., 63, and his son were in the car. An arrest report says that the son was driving the car when officers pulled them over.
During the stop, officers say, they noticed Minnella Jr, dialing 911 because his son was being asked to speak with them. The report says that Minnella Jr. got out of the car and approached officers.
CCPD says that a custodial hold was placed on Minnella Jr., however he became combative with officers. They add that he resisted attempts to restrain him and he had to be shocked with a stun gun.
Joseph was arrested and is facing charges of misuse of 911 and resisting arrest. Officers say that a search of his person revealed a baggie of marijuana. He is facing an additional charge of drug possession.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.