Excavators, forensic teams dig up vacant Cape Coral lot in active investigation

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A vacant corner lot in North Cape Coral has become the center of a massive law enforcement search.

Excavators, forensic teams, and tents have taken over the intersection of Kismet Parkway and Northeast 19th Place. The Cape Coral Police Department’s mobile command center, the Lee County Sheriff's Office trailer, and the Cape forensic van are all on scene.

Investigators are carefully sifting through piles of dirt. Neighbors said this isn't the first time they've seen investigators at this location.

One man said forensic crews were back at this same spot about two weeks ago.

Investigators climbed down the embankment along the canal as excavators scooped up dirt, which was then poured into sifters beneath a row of blue, tan, and gray tents. Surrounding the search were dozens of law enforcement vehicles, including the mobile command center, forensics van, and trailers.

It's an unusual sight for neighbors in an otherwise quiet community. Despite the heavy police presence, they said they're more curious than concerned.

"It was odd seeing these here again," Bob Harrison said. "I don't know whether they were looking for a body or a gun or something somebody threw off the bridge. That's kind of what my thoughts are because they're right next to the bridge."

Teri Knapp said she's been watching the scene unfold throughout the day.

"I've been seeing as the tents go up, and then all of the units and such, and then they had probably about 15 officers out there today walking around," Knapp said. "I have faith in the sheriff's department, and it looks like they're on it."

The Cape Coral Police Department confirmed this is an active investigation with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Authorities aren't saying what investigators are searching for at this time.