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Punta Gorda Police Chief Meets With Citizens About Shooting During Demonstration

Michael Hirsh

Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewisheld his monthly “Coffee with the Chief” today, four weeks after one of his officers shot and killed a Punta Gordaresident during a demonstration.  

More than 60 people attended the get together. Insisting that transparency during the investigation of the shooting is paramount, Chief Lewis told the group that both police and city government officials are waiting for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conclude its criminal investigation into the incident.  Lewis said with more than fifty witnesses to interview, the FDLE can’t be rushed.  

Credit Michael Hirsh

“We’re kind of handcuffed as to their timeline,” said Lewis.  “As the investigation unfolds, it may lead them into other areas that require more follow-up. So when they’ll be completed, we just don’t have a good grasp of that as of yet.”

Lewis said the way the law works, the Punta Gorda Police Department can’t begin an Internal Affairs investigation until after the FDLE has completed its report. The chief reaffirmed his decision not to resign in the wake of the shooting, a statement that drew loud applause and a standing ovation.

Meanwhile, Officer Lee Coel, who shot 73-year-old Mary Knowlton during the exercise, is on paid administrative leave. Due to threats and because Lewis said the media was camped outside Coel’s house, Coel and his patrol dog are staying with friends at an undisclosed location.