(Cape Coral, FL) — On September 29, 2025, at approximately 3:25 p.m., a Cape Coral Police Department patrol officer observed a gray Kia Sorento traveling northbound in the 800 block of Cultural Park Boulevard South. The officer immediately recognized the driver as Marlena Velez (DOB: 08/16/2002), who was known from a previous arrest and had an active warrant out of Lee County for violation of probation.
A traffic stop was initiated, and Velez initially stopped in a residential area. Once the officer exited his vehicle to approach hers, Velez fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Due to the residential nature of the area and the presence of children, the officer did not pursue.
Probable cause was established for the charge of Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S.S. 316.1935(2)).
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, another patrol officer with the Cape Coral Police Department located a gray 2022 Kia Sorento known to be associated with Velez in Cape Coral. The officer identified Velez in the front passenger seat and conducted a traffic stop after confirming Velez had multiple active warrants for violation of probation related to original charges of first-degree petit theft.
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.
Both the driver and Velez were removed from the vehicle and detained while dispatch verified Velez’s warrants.
Velez was arrested and transported to the Lee County Jail on the following charges, without bond:
Two counts in violation of F.S.S. 948.06, Probation Violation
On Monday, October 13, 2025, her custody at the Lee County Jail was verified, and she was served with an additional charge stemming from the September 29 incident:
One count in violation of F.S.S. 316.1935(2), Flee and Elude Police
Velez remains in custody at the Lee County Jail.
