PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -- The Punta Gorda Police Department has released the name of the officer involved in the tragic shooting death of Mary Knowlton onTuesday.
The officer was identified as Officer Lee Coel. Officer Coel was hired by the Punta Gorda Police Department on March 17, 2014. He is now on administrative leave.
Officer Coel recently came under fire a few months ago, after dash cam showed Coel allowing a K-9 maul a man during a traffic stop. That person is now suing the department claiming excessive force. In light of that case, Coel underwent counseling and training.
Officer Coel was hired by the Punta Gorda Police Department after having been let go by the Mirimar Police Department, because of another incident involving excessive force.
