(August 20, 2024) — On August 20, 2024, at approximately 12:45 AM, an officer working for the Cape Coral Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a red four-door car near the 3800 block of Del Prado Blvd S in Cape Coral.
As the officer routinely placed his spotlight on the vehicle, he saw the driver reaching under the seat and appeared to be manipulating an object. While the officer approached the car, the subject began to exit the vehicle without being asked. The officer told the driver immediately to get back in the vehicle. Upon approach of the driver’s side, the officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the car. The driver continued to make movements, reaching for something under the driver’s seat, and was instructed to place his hands on the steering wheel. After the driver appeared to be reaching for an object again, the officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle for safety reasons. The driver was identified as Matthew Christopher Whited (06/22/1999 W/M).
Officers searched the vehicle due to the smell of burnt marijuana and the furtive movements of the driver. Officers located the following:
–1 firearm (loaded with one in the chamber, located on the floorboard between the driver’s legs where the driver was reaching)
–1 Draco Firearm located under a blanket in the backseat, within the driver’s reach
–3 Firearms, located in the trunk
–Presumptive marijuana (Over 500 grams)
–Clear bag with white powder inside, field-tested positive for cocaine (Over 28 grams)
–Clear baggy with white rocks, field-tested positive for cocaine (Over 1 gram)
–Clear bag with white powder, field tested positive for fentanyl (Approximately 0.2 grams)
–Black scale with residue located on top of the center console
–$4,335 in cash
–Clear baggy with several empty baggies located under the driver seat
Matthew Whited was arrested and charged with the following:
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 893.135(1)(b)(1), Trafficking Cocaine
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 893.13(1)(a)(2), Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 893.13(6)(a), Possession of Fentanyl
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 775.087(1)(a), Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
–1 count in violation of F.S.S 893.147(2), Possession of Paraphernalia
–2 counts in violation of F.S.S. 790.07(2), Display of Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, as two firearms were concealed and within reach of the driverÂ
Arrested: Matthew Christopher Whited (DOB 06/22/1999, 4716 Walworth Ct, Lehigh Acres)