(August 26, 2025) — On Monday, August 25, 2025, at around 9:20 p.m., Cape Coral Police Department officers responded to the area of SW 49th Street and Chiquita Boulevard regarding a reckless driver.
Multiple witnesses reported that a white Chevrolet truck was driving erratically, striking multiple objects including mailboxes and a house, before fleeing the scene. Witnesses also stated the truck had a flat rear tire and was being driven on the rim.
Shortly after, the Cape Coral Police Department received an ONSTAR notification from a white Chevrolet Colorado that matched the witnesses’ description. The notification indicated the vehicle had been involved in a crash and was located at 1429 SW 48th Terrace.
Upon arrival, officers observed the truck parked at an angle in parking spot #6. The vehicle had heavy front-end damage, a flat driver’s side rear tire, and the engine was warm to the touch. The ONSTAR system was actively displaying a crash notification on the vehicle’s Heads-Up Display.
The vehicle was registered to Paul Benjamin (DOB 07/15/1972), who resided in Unit #6 at that location. When they knocked, Benjamin exited from the neighboring unit and stated, “It’s me, I f***** up!” He repeated several times that he “f***** up” and admitted he was the person officers were looking for. He also admitted to consuming 7–8 beers before driving home.
While speaking with Benjamin, officers noted the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. His eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot, and he was unsteady on his feet, swaying as he spoke. Officers informed Benjamin that a DUI investigation was being conducted.
Benjamin agreed to provide a breath sample, which resulted in a BAC of .254% and .241%.
The investigation revealed that Benjamin had struck a garage on SW 49th Street, causing damage to the garage and two vehicles, as well as two mailboxes on SW 49th Street.
Paul Benjamin (DOB 07/15/1972) was taken to the Lee County Jail on the following charges:
–1 count of Driving Under the Influence (.15 or Higher)
–4 counts of DUI (Property Damage)
–4 counts of Hit and Run
