The Punta Gorda police officer who was fired after accidentally shooting and killing an elderly woman during a citizens academy last August wants his job back.
Lee Coel was fired by the Punta Gorda police after the incident. Now, he’s appealing the city’s decision to fire him. He has a hearing scheduled for April 20th.
It will be conducted by the city manager and will allow Coel to call witnesses and present evidence in his defense. Police Chief Tom Lewis is also facing culpable negligence charges in the same case.