The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man accused of aggravated battery following a vehicle crash near Chiquita Boulevard and Gleason Parkway.

Police arrested Thomas Coyle on November 26 after a reported disturbance was issued at around 4:20 p.m. The initial report stated he was attempting to shift lanes around a white Jeep but had not cut off the vehicle.

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Credit: Cape Coral Police Department 

The white Jeep, driven by Thomas Coyle, began to pursue the caller, honking continuously. This interaction led to both vehicles pulling off the road, where Coyle allegedly approached the caller’s driver’s side window and proceeded to yell at him.

In addition to his yelling, Coyle then allegedly threw multiple punches to the left side of the caller’s face.

The caller attempted to open his vehicle door while being struck and began to push back in self-defense. While the altercation occurred, officers arrived on the scene and separated the fueding parties. 

According to police, Coyle returned to his vehicle and intentionally rammed it into the other man’s vehicle, causing it to strike the victim and knock him to the ground. The collision also caused damage to the victim’s vehicle.

Coyle’s passenger told officers the other driver had cut them off, causing Coyle to become irate and approach the vehicle; she stated she did not witness any physical altercation.

Several witness accounts reported Coyle’s aggression against the victim, specifying his attack of the victim by physical assault and ramming his vehicle into the victim’s vehicle.

Lee County Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene to assess both parties; however, it was reported that while being treated, Coyle grabbed a medic’s wrist and shoved him.

Lisa Greenberg, a public affairs officer with the department, detailed that Coyle faces multiple charges.

Greenberg said, “The suspect ended up facing multiple charges, including burglary with assault, battery with a deadly weapon or assault with a deadly weapon, and then obviously the assault when it comes to the specified personnel as well.”

Noah Bourk, a Cape Coral resident for 10 years, commented on the situation, expressing his disappointment in the escalation of minor traffic infractions to violence. “It makes me sad for our society in general,” said Bourk. “To have it actually lead to full-fledged violence and then to continue that violence against a first responder, I think it is just horrible.” 

The Cape Coral Police Department advises drivers to remain calm and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. Greenberg emphasized the importance of pulling into safe, populated areas if confronted with road rage.

“Obviously there is nothing worth risking your own life for,” said Greenberg. “If someone is behind you driving erratically or is clearly expressing some aggression and some road rage just making sure you pull off into a safe area.”

Cape Police told WINK News they have officers part of their aggressive driving unit, which targets speeding and aggressive driving. The department encourages the public to stay safe and report any incidents of road rage.

Coyle faces charges including burglary with assault or battery, battery on specified personnel, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.