Cape Coral, FL - A Cape Coral man faces charges following a hit-and-run crash, road rage incident, and assault on a police officer on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD), officers responded to reports of a hit-and-run accident at 103 Del Prado Boulevard N. around 3:18 PM. Witnesses reported a white pickup truck colliding with an SUV and another truck before fleeing the scene.
The trail led officers to NE 2nd Street and NE 16th Place, where they spotted a pickup truck with a flat tire entering a Circle K gas station.
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Juan Lago, displayed aggressive behavior upon exiting the vehicle. He showed signs of intoxication and denied involvement in the crash.
Further investigation revealed Lago's erratic behavior throughout the day.
Panera is calling you Witnesses at a liquor store reported Lago acting politely during his first visit, purchasing a shot of Fireball.
However, during his second visit, Lago, visibly intoxicated, became belligerent after being refused service.
He spat on an employee and sped away in his truck.
The chaotic path continued as Lago confronted a driver who was waiting to pull onto the road.
Lago reportedly threatened the driver, attempted to open the car door, and banged on the window.
A maintenance worker who intervened to calm Lago was met with aggression.
Lago threatened the worker with a pocketknife before punching them in the head.
Officers detained Lago at the gas station.
He refused a breathalyzer test after failing a field sobriety test.
During transport to Cape Coral Hospital, Lago headbutted an officer in the face, though fortunately causing no injuries.
Lago faces a mountain of charges, including:
- Hit-and-Run
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - 3 Counts
- DUI Property Damage - 3 Counts
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Battery on a Police Officer