Neighbors recall moments before man accused of drawing gun on FWC officer after wildlife complaint

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Florida Fish and Wildlife officers responded to a Cape Coral home on Friday after receiving a report that the homeowner had filled in a burrowing owl nest, leading to an incident where the suspect was accused of pointing a gun at the officer.

Betty Swanton, a Cape Coral resident, said, "We all stop and take a picture of the, you know, the birds, you know, but, you know, it's not like you're going up to his door or something."

Swanton noted that the home on Southwest 26th Avenue is a popular spot for people wanting to see burrowing owls, and she emphasized the legal protections for these birds, especially during nesting season.

"Everybody was aware that he had filled the hole in the people were out that night when we were walking, and they were upset, too," Swanton said.

The incident prompted a response from Cape Coral police and the Florida Highway Patrol. A neighbor shared a picture showing an officer pointing a rifle during the standoff.

"If someone has a gun, that's what's going to happen," Swanton said.

FWC reported that John Quartapella eventually surrendered and was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Sheila McCarthy, another Cape Coral resident, said, "You don't know what's going on in his mind. Yeah. Where he's coming from. He's 87."

Quartapella bonded out of the Lee County Jail on Saturday. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, as no one answered the door at his home.

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