Cape Coral, FL — On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Cape Coral Police officers responded to Cape Coral Hospital after a male arrived with a gunshot wound.
Officers spoke with the man, who stated he had been at Mermaids Liquor Bar on Del Prado Boulevard North when an unknown male shot him in the parking lot. He suffered a gunshot wound to his lower leg and two grazing wounds.
The man told officers there had been a fight in the bar’s bathroom earlier between the man who later shot him and several other people. He described the shooter as a heavyset white male wearing a black shirt and black shorts. He said he was standing next to a vehicle and speaking with someone when the man began shooting in their direction.
Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed the investigation. A witness identified the shooter as Dewey Scott Stepp (DOB 12/08/1978). Photo arrays were shown to additional witnesses and the victim, who all positively identified Stepp as the shooter.
Following a thorough investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Stepp on multiple charges.
On Thursday, September 24, Stepp’s attorney notified investigators that Stepp would be turning himself in. Stepp was ultimately arrested during a traffic stop while he was a passenger in a vehicle.
He was transported to the Lee County Jail and charged with:
- Improper Exhibition of a Firearm
- Aggravated Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- Weapon Offense (Shooting Deadly Missiles)
- Criminal Mischief (Greater than $1,000)
- Discharging a Firearm in Public
