Motion denied to dismiss Punta Gorda police chief’s charges in fatal shooting

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. A motion to dismiss Police Chief Tom Lewis’ charges in the fatal shooting of a 73-year-old by a former police officer was denied by a judge on Monday.

20th Circuit Court Judge Devin George described the motion as “moot,” according to court documents.

Lewis is charged with culpable negligence for failing to implement sufficient safety protocols during an August 2016 “shoot, don’t shoot” exercise at a citizens police academy class, prosecutors said.

Lewis’ attorney, Stephen Romine, argued last week that prosecutors have not provided any evidence to support their claim and that he can’t prepare a defense if “I don’t know what I’m defending.”

Prosecutors on Monday filed a document detailing their charge against Lewis, claiming he:

• Allowed the use of a firearm capable of using live ammunition or ammunition blanks during a community presentation.
• Allowed an officer to discharge the firearm towards, near, in the direction of or in the vicinity of citizens.
• Allowed the use of a firearm that was not stored, issued or inventoried in the police department armory.
• Failing to have a written policy for “shoot, don’t shoot” scenarios.
• Failing to have a safety officer or supervisor to ensure all used weapons were free of live ammunition.
• Failing to provide protective gear to citizens.
• Failing to have a first-aid kit on site.

Former Punta Gorda police officer Lee Coel shot and killed Mary Knowlton during the demonstration at the police department in August 2016.

Coel, who has appealed his termination, is charged with manslaughter in Knowlton’s death.