CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA — Recent shooting incidents in Cape Coral have drawn attention to public safety as police investigate reports of gunfire and pursue criminal charges connected to separate incidents across the Southwest Florida city.
One of the most significant recent cases involved a shooting outside Mermaids Liquor Bar on Del Prado Boulevard North, where a man sustained gunshot injuries following an alleged confrontation in September 2026.
Cape Coral Bar Shooting Leaves One Man Injured
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers responded to Cape Coral Hospital on September 20 after a man arrived with gunshot injuries.
The victim told investigators that he had been standing near a vehicle outside Mermaids Liquor Bar when another man opened fire.
Police reported that the victim suffered a gunshot wound to his lower leg and two grazing wounds.
Investigators determined that an altercation had occurred inside the establishment before the parking lot shooting.
Detectives subsequently identified 47-year-old Dewey Scott Stepp as the suspected shooter.
Suspect Arrested Following Police Investigation
On September 24, authorities arrested Stepp following an investigation involving witness statements and identification procedures.
Police announced multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm in public, criminal mischief and additional weapons-related offenses.
The arrest represented a significant development in the investigation. The allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and the charges do not establish guilt.
Other Cape Coral Gunfire Investigations
In another incident, police investigated reports of gunshots near Northwest 21st Terrace in early October.
According to local reporting, residents contacted emergency services after hearing repeated gunfire in their neighborhood.
Investigators reportedly located a homeowner accused of firing a rifle into the air. Police recovered shell casings and confiscated the firearm.
The investigation remained ongoing at the time of the published report.
Cape Coral also experienced a separate officer-involved shooting on September 9 following a reported domestic disturbance. Authorities identified the man shot by officers as 43-year-old Daniel Eric Colon, who subsequently died from his injuries.
Cape Coral Police Continue Public Safety Efforts
These separate incidents highlight the importance of ongoing police investigations, witness cooperation and timely public safety information.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, avoid areas where active police operations are underway and follow official emergency instructions.
Latest Update: As of October 22, 2026, the available reporting reviewed does not establish that a new shooting occurred in Cape Coral on this date. The incidents described above took place on separate dates in September and October.
Additional information about arrests, court proceedings and ongoing investigations may be released by the Cape Coral Police Department.