Coral Springs Traffic Stop Leads to Strangulation Arrest After Passenger Reveals Driver’s Identity

October 7, 2026 • By Ryan Yousefi
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Rocco J. Panaro {BSO}

A routine Coral Springs traffic stop led to a strangulation arrest after a passenger told police the driver used a fake name, was wanted, and had choked her unconscious.

According to a Coral Springs Police Department arrest report, police arrested Rocco J. Panaro, 41, on October 3 after stopping his vehicle near West Sample Road and Woodside Drive. Records show an officer initially spotted the vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign while exiting the Wawa at 7305 West Sample Road.

Police said Panaro told the officer he did not have a valid driver’s license and identified himself as “Jonathan Walters,” claiming he had recently moved from New York. A records search using the information he provided returned false results, according to the report.

During the stop, officers asked Panaro and a female passenger to exit the vehicle so a police K-9 could conduct an exterior sniff. Police said the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading officers to search the vehicle.

While officers investigated, the woman allegedly told police the driver had given them a false name and that his real first name was Rocco. She also told officers that they had recently been involved in an argument over money that led to Panaro chasing her into a vacant room and choking her against a wall until she lost consciousness, remaining unconscious for an unknown period before waking up on her own.

Officers said they observed clear marks on the left side of her neck that appeared consistent with her account. The woman initially agreed to provide a sworn recorded statement but later recanted after arriving at the hospital, police said. 

Investigators subsequently confirmed Panaro’s identity and discovered an active Palm Beach County warrant for domestic battery with no bond, the report states.

Panaro was arrested and transported to the Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi
Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

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