Sheriff: Ex-deputy didn’t appear to be threat

Collier County Sheriff Don Hunter said today that a former deputy who police say shot and killed two people in Cape Coral never showed dangerous behavior.

Hunter spoke with the media for the first time after the Friday shooting involving 28-year-old Thomas Ciesla. Ciesla resigned his post as a Collier deputy on Tuesday, then police say on Friday he shot and killed the father and aunt of his estranged wife – then turned the gun on himself -- at 1021 S.W. 18th Terrace, near Palmetto Pine Country Club.

Hunter said although Ciesla never demonstrated dangerous behavior, he had programs available at the Sheriff’s Office to help him with his problems.

"It appears Thomas Cisela was functioning within the norms," Hunter said. "I am searching for answers, just as everyone is. Why would someone react so violently ... especially someone like Cisela, who has every opportunity to seek out support from the agency, where it is available to him?"

A personnel file released today to the Daily News indicates Cisela told a supervisor he was tired of working in corrections and he was counseled to have a better attitude toward his supervisors.

Hunter said today that he has faith in his office.

"We're satisfied that the members that are here should be here," Hunter said. "I don't believe anyone, including the public, has anything to worry about."