Cape Coral officer arrested for battery, assault while off duty | Lee County

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A Cape Coral police officer was arrested following an off-duty disturbance in Lee County.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident on Aug. 30 and arrested Officer Travis Harrison on charges of battery and simple assault. Harrison has been placed on administrative leave while the Cape Coral Police Department conducts a separate internal affairs investigation, according to a press release.

Harrison was previously recognized by the Cape Coral Police Department for his work as a K9 officer. In December, the department said Harrison and his K9 partner, Van, received a Meritorious Service Award for their role in helping apprehend a homicide suspect.

In April, the department announced Harrison was one of five finalists for the Law & Order Ball Officer of the Year award.

The criminal investigation is being handled by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office. The Cape Coral Police Department’s internal affairs investigation is separate from the criminal investigation and will determine whether any department policies, procedures or standards of conduct were violated.

Harrison is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Cape Coral Police Department holds its employees accountable to the laws they are sworn to uphold and to the professional standards expected of members of the department.

Any findings of misconduct will be addressed promptly and appropriately, according to the press release.

Chief Anthony Sizemore addressed the arrest in a statement.

“The badge carries with it a responsibility to meet a high standard of conduct, both on and off duty,” Sizemore said. “When allegations arise involving one of our employees, we have a responsibility to address them appropriately, thoroughly and transparently.”

“The trust our community places in this department is something we take very seriously, and we are committed to maintaining that trust through accountability while upholding the standards expected of everyone who wears this badge,” Sizemore said.