(August 22, 2024) — On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, just after 7 AM, officers with the Cape Coral Police Department were conducting traffic enforcement in front of Island Coast High School at 2125 De Navarra Pkwy, Cape Coral, Florida.
An officer observed a white Hyundai Sonata drop off two kids in the roadway approximately 100 yards behind his unmarked SUV with all lights activated. The officer motioned for her to pull over to the side of the road. The officer, in full uniform, made contact with the woman, later identified as Royteshia Lashea Denson (DOB 08/29/1991). He told her she can’t drop children off in the roadway. At that time, the officer observed four very young children in the back seat unrestrained. The officer had Denson roll down the back driver’s side window and observed that none of the four kids had child restraints or even seatbelts. The officer told Denson she could not go anywhere without proper child restraints and told her to move off the road to prevent further traffic congestion.
At that time, Denson stated, “I don’t have time for this.” She put the car in gear and pulled back onto the road, going East on De Navarra Parkway at an excessive rate of speed. Denson then attempted to make a right turn on Garden Blvd, went over the grass on the corner, and, as she was turning, struck a vehicle waiting at a stop sign in the opposite lane, causing a crash.
After the crash investigation was completed, officers told Denson they were switching hats and conducting a criminal investigation.
Based on that investigation, Denson was taken to the Lee County Jail on the following charge:
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 316.1935(1), Flee and Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, a felony of the third degree
She was also issued traffic citations for the four children who were not restrained in the vehicle, as required by law.
A charge of Child Neglect is pending.
Arrested: Royteshia Lashea Denson (DOB 08/29/1991)