A man in Cape Coral, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly driving recklessly and attempting to flee from the police on foot. According to the police, he also tried to avoid getting handcuffed by hiding in a local car wash. He was unsuccessful.
According to a news release issued by the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD), the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 24. At around 11:28 p.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Santa Barbara Boulevard South.
The CCPD was informed of a silver Dodge Ram pickup truck, whose driver was allegedly driving recklessly. Furthermore, the police detailed that the driver was potentially impaired while speeding.
Shortly after, officers came across the Dogde. The vehicle was at a McDonald’s located near the 800 block of Northeast Pine Island Road.
Reckless Driving Continues
Officers observed the driver allegedly continue with his reported driving behavior. This included, as per the CCPD, speeding in the parking lot, spinning tires, and disregarding multiple stop signs.
At the parking lot of a Walgreens, a responding officers atttempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the driver chose to ditch the vehicle entirely, exiting it and fleeing on foot, police said.
A perimeter was established to find the suspect. He would later be found in a nearby business: a car wash.
Car Wash Hideout
Officers entered the car wash after locating the suspect inside it. He was found, as per the release, lying on the ground beneath the car wash machinery.
The footage attached above shows the moment that officers approach the suspect. As they turn on their flashlights, he is seen lying on the floor. He was then arrested without further incident.
The man was identified as 30-year-old Shaheem Raekwon Preston. An investigation continued, and police observed mulitple alleged signs of impairment.
Arrested and Charged
The CCPD detailed that Preston had slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, and officers noticed an alcohol odor. Furthermore, he allegedly refused to participate in field sobriety tests and to provide a breath sample.
Not only that, but records showed that Preston’s driver’s license was suspended. Then, once police officers searched the 30-year-old’s vehicle, they found multiple small liquor bottles, the CCPD said. Allegedly, some of these containers were empty, while others were unopened.
Shaheem Raekwon Preston is charged with DUI, refusal to submit to DUI testing, driving while license suspended or revoked, resisting arrest without violence, and careless driving. He is being held at the Lee County Jail.