News

Suspect in North Fort Myers Carjacking Sought

Saturday, June 16, 2012

On Friday, June 15, 2012 at 10:21 a.m. the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a female being forced into a vehicle by a male.

Responding deputies met with a witness who stated they saw a black male who appeared to force a female into a red Toyota Corolla. This took place in the 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. The witness said the vehicle then left the area heading northbound on North Tamiami Trail with the female in the back seat and the black male driving. Responding deputies canvassed the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

At 10:50 a.m, the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a woman jumping out of a red vehicle near Andalusia Parkway and Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. It was later determined this was the same female that had been seen being forced into the vehicle on North Tamiami Trail.

The victim stated she went to an appliance store on North Tamiami Trail when she was approached by an unknown black male. There was a brief conversation before the male grabbed the victim, forced her back into her vehicle, then drove away. The male punched the victim, held her down, and asked for money and banking information. He told the victim she was going to withdraw money for him. The male then attempted to fondle the victim and when the vehicle slowed to stop, the victim jumped out, ending up in the area of Andalusia Parkway and Pine Island Road.

The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of numerous lacerations and contusions including a fracture on the side of her face.

The suspect is described as a black male, medium height, with short hair and about a weeks worth of facial hair. He had a dumbbell piercing over his right eye, and his teeth appeared to be chipped or crooked. He was muscular and in good physical condition.

The vehicle was recovered later in the day parked along the side of a vacant residence in Fort Myers on Ebenezer Court in the Sable Palm Community of Dunbar.

Anyone with information on the identity of this violent suspect is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org, through the TipSubmit app on any iPhone or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

Media inquiries are directed to the Public Information Office at 239-477-1340.

she/249284/249325/249749 (3:39 p.m.)