Cape Coral DUI suspect accused of hiding in canal and shrubs after high-speed chase

A driver is accused of running from troopers and jumped into a canal after fleeing a traffic stop early Friday in Cape Coral.The Florida Highway Patrol said it tried to pull over a blue Nissan around 12:57 a.m. at Del Prado Boulevard and NE 2nd Street because the car was driving without headlights. The driver did not stop and sped off.The driver, later identified as Vernice Scippio, 51, eventually stopped at a home on SE 6th Terrace and ran from the car.Troopers say he jumped into a canal, swam across and hid in a nearby area filled with dirt and shrubs, troopers said. Cape Coral police and a K-9 unit helped locate him.Troopers said Scipio was arrested on charges including driving under the influence, fleeing and being a habitual traffic offender.FHP said Scippio had a suspended license and multiple prior DUI convictions.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 driver is accused of running from troopers and jumped into a canal after fleeing a traffic stop early Friday in Cape Coral.

The Florida Highway Patrol said it tried to pull over a blue Nissan around 12:57 a.m. at Del Prado Boulevard and NE 2nd Street because the car was driving without headlights. The driver did not stop and sped off.

The driver, later identified as Vernice Scippio, 51, eventually stopped at a home on SE 6th Terrace and ran from the car.

Troopers say he jumped into a canal, swam across and hid in a nearby area filled with dirt and shrubs, troopers said. Cape Coral police and a K-9 unit helped locate him.

Troopers said Scipio was arrested on charges including driving under the influence, fleeing and being a habitual traffic offender.

FHP said Scippio had a suspended license and multiple prior DUI convictions.

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.