(Fort Myers, FL: November 10, 2010) - On Tuesday, November 9, 2010 the Fort Myers Police Department received information through an anonymous text regarding a student selling marijuana from his car and backpack at Fort Myers High School. School Resource Officer Athena Mitchell notified the school’s Principal. The principal had student Tyler Lecky (d.o.b. 1-28-93) removed from class. Administration searched his car and backpack and located two plastic bags of marijuana. The first contained 15.7 grams of marijuana. The second contained 7.9 grams of marijuana. Lecky was arrested for possession of marijuana over 20 grams and for sale of marijuana within 1000 feet of a school.
Last month, police gave students at the school “tip” cards reminding them how to anonymously text crime tips to police and keep their school safe. “This is exactly what we are looking for, said Chief Doug Baker. It’s their personal safety channel to alert police to a possible danger. We don’t know who sent us this tip but their actions should be commended.” The goal of giving the students the cards was to increase awareness and prevention of violence in all forms whether it is drugs, fights, weapons, harassment, bullying or other safety concerns.
Texting allows people to notify police when calling may not be feasible or safe. It also helps combat the anti-snitch era. Texting a tip is easy. All you have to do is text message C-R-I-M-E-S (274637) and use the key word FMPD in the body of the text. The technology makes giving police the 411 2EZ.