A Cape Coral woman was arrested after police say she eluded law enforcement and then attempted to hide on the floor of the backseat of her car.
Marlena Velez, 23, has been charged with two counts of probation violation, as well as fleeing and eluding police.
According to Cape Coral Police Department officials, on Sept. 29 around 3:30 p.m., a CCPD patrol officer saw a gray Kia Sorento traveling north in the 800 block of Cultural Park Boulevard South, and recognized the driver as Velez, who police said was known from a previous arrest and had an active warrant out of Lee County for violation of probation.
Police officials state that a traffic stop was initiated in a residential area and that once the officer exited his vehicle to approach hers, Velez fled the scene at “a high rate of speed.” The officer did not pursue her due to it being in a residential area and the presence of children.
On Oct. 12, police officials stated that another CCPD patrol officer saw a Kia Sorento known to be associated with Velez driving in the city, and noted Velez in the front passenger seat and conducted a traffic stop after confirming she had “multiple active warrants for violation of probation related to the original charges of first-degree petit theft.”
According to a release from CCPD, “As the officer approached the vehicle, she observed that Velez was no longer in the front passenger seat. The officer asked the driver where Velez had gone, and he stated he did not know. While waiting for documents related to the stop, the officer illuminated the backseat area with her flashlight and observed Velez lying on the floorboard attempting to hide.”
Police state that both the driver and Velez were removed from the vehicle and detailed while dispatch verified Velez’s warrants.
Velez was arrested and transported to Lee County Jail without bond. As of Tuesday morning, she is still in custody with bond not set.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com