CAPE CORAL, Florida — A 23-year-old woman was arrested after attempting to evade police during a traffic stop, according to the Cape Coral Police Department. Marlena Velez, of Cape Coral, was taken into custody on multiple charges, including probation violation and fleeing law enforcement.
On September 29, 2025, at approximately 3:25 p.m., a Cape Coral Police Department patrol officer recognized Velez driving a gray Kia Sorento on Cultural Park Boulevard South. The officer, aware of Velez’s active warrant for probation violation, initiated a traffic stop. Velez initially complied but then fled at high speed, prompting the officer to halt pursuit due to the residential area and presence of children, stated the department.
On October 12, 2025, another officer located the same vehicle in Cape Coral and identified Velez in the front passenger seat. During the stop, Velez attempted to hide on the floorboard of the backseat. Both Velez and the driver were detained while dispatch confirmed her warrants. Velez was arrested and transported to the Lee County Jail on charges of probation violation and fleeing law enforcement, according to the Cape Coral Police Department. She remains in custody without bond.