CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- What started as a traffic crash investigation ended tragically with one of the drivers committing suicide at the scene.
At around 9:30 AM Tuesday, Cape Coral Police responded to the intersection of Del Prado Boulevard and SE 47th Terrace on a 2 vehicle crash with injuries and road blockage.
As the first officer arrived on scene, he exited his patrol car to make contact with the drivers to check on their condition. As the officer approached the driver’s door, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 52-year-old Laurence Kavanaugh of Cape Coral, killed himself with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
It appears at this time that the bullet, or fragments thereof, struck the officer in the chest. Thankfully, the officer was protected by his bullet-resistant vest.
Traffic was shut down in both directions until shortly after noon with numerous units assisting with traffic direction.
The other driver in the crash was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. The officer was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, but did not suffer any injuries.
The crash is being investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Unit. The death investigation is being investigated by the Investigative Services Bureau and is ongoing.
