SWFL.io - Local NewsIsaias Soto
•8/12/2026
Five young men were caught on camera accused of breaking into the abandoned Christ Lutheran School and Church on Cornwallis Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral in July, damaging the property and leaving behind a clue. The surveillance footage shows the suspects using their phones' flashlights to light up the door as they reportedly sneaked out. Albert Armas, who lives in the neighborhood behind the property, said the site has been vacant since 2015 and has become a frequent spot for kids to play. "It used to be a church and a school. Guess the school was part of the church," Armas said. He described the activity he often sees on the lot. "They'll walk across the asphalt street there, and there's, like, kids on those bikes. Like motorbikes go through hills and stuff," Armas said. During the reported break-in, the suspects are accused of smashing two windows with a brick on the east side of the building and exiting through a south door. A property manager called 911 after seeing them on camera, but neighbors in the area have called 911 in the past after hearing glass being smashed on the property. "We've had issues with people breaking windows. And they're also walking on the south entrance," the caller said. Cape Coral police responded with a K-9 unit, but the suspects are accused of escaping. However, one of the suspects reportedly left behind their shoes while running, according to a property manager. Armas speculated about the behavior of the young men. "Kids, they like, they probably do stuff like that and then post it on TikTok or something. Yeah. Kids doing crazy stuff," he said. Cape Coral police said the investigation remains open and are asking the public for information about the suspects. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.