CCPD: Driver apparently kills himself following traffic crash
A driver apparently committed suicide on Monday after being involved in a traffic accident.
At about 9:30 a.m., Cape Coral police responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries and road blockage at the intersection of Del Prado Boulevard South and Southeast 47th Terrace, according to officials.
As the first officer arrived on scene, he exited his patrol car to make contact with the drivers to check on their conditions. As he approached the driver’s door of one of the involved vehicles, the driver killed himself with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Sgt. Dana Coston said via a statement.
The driver was later identified as Laurence Kavanaugh, 52, of the Cape.
“It appears at this time that the bullet, or fragments thereof, struck the officer in the chest,” Coston continued in the statement. “Thankfully, the officer was protected by his bullet-resistant vest.”
Additional units responded to the scene.
The other driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The officer was transported as a precaution, but he was not injured in the incident.
Officials reported that traffic was shut down in both directions until shortly after noon and numerous units assisted with the traffic direction. A Ping4alert was sent out warning drivers to avoid the area.
The investigation is ongoing.