If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or click the Submit a Tip button to anonymously provide information. We want your information, not your name! We will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
Reporting threats is key to keeping schools safe
February 14, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
As the nation takes pause today to reflect on the four years that have passed since the deadly shootings at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, Crime Stoppers is encouraging parents to sit down with their students to discuss the importance of reporting suspicious activity or threats of violence on campus.
When students hear of threats being made in their schools, or when they become aware of peers with weapons or plans to incite violence, there is only one truly anonymous place to report that information - Crime Stoppers. Students can use the hotline, the website or the user-friendly mobile app to report information quickly. Once an anonymous tip is received, it is immediately sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or school to be investigated, 24/7. All tips remain 100 percent anonymous, so students have no fear of retaliation for reporting the information. There is also reward money for tips that lead to some type of school action. There are no other sources that can provide that level of anonymity.
Additionally, though unfortunate, school districts throughout Southwest Florida are seeing an increasing number of threats of violence or harm being made by students on campus. While most of these incidents have been determined to be fake, every single threat must been treated with the highest priority and fully investigated by law enforcement to ensure the safety of students. Some students have been arrested for making these fake threats, charged with felony crimes that will stymie their efforts in the future to secure good jobs or even spots in the college of their choice. It is equally important in these circumstances that students come forward, anonymously, with information on the students perpetrating these fake threats.
Communication is key to ensure that threats are being reported on a timely basis, and that students responsible for making false threats are held responsible for their actions.
"On this day especially, we encourage parents to have the conversation with their students on why it's critical that they speak up and report what they know about these crimes to Crime Stoppers," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "The timely sharing of that information could be key to halting a heartbreaking disaster."
The Crime Stoppers hotline can be accessed 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app. All callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Man wanted in early morning armed robbery
January 17, 2022
STATUS: OPEN
On January 17, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the suspect entered the 7-Eleven located at 1626 Meadow Road in Lehigh Acres. The suspect showed the victim a firearm hidden in the front pocket of a hoodie-sweatshirt as the suspect demanded the money from the cash register. The victim complied and the suspect immediately fled on foot with approximately $50.00 in cash.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, and a thin build with short hair. The suspect was wearing a surgical mask, a gray hoodie, dark sweatpants and white/gray shoes.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Suspects sought after airsoft gun attack
December 13, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
** UPDATE # 1 **
Two arrested in connection to Whiskey Creek shooting
ORIGINAL RELEASE: DECEMBER 13, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down a vehicle which was involved in an airsoft gun shooting in the Whiskey Creek community Sunday evening.
Just before 6 p.m. on December 12th, the victim was walking her dog in the area of Whiskey Creek Drive when a white sedan with four black male passengers pulled up and fired multiple rounds of plastic pellets at the victim. The vehicle fled the scene and the victim was treated for minor injuries. The vehicle is believed to have an aftermarket spoiler and could be a Toyota.
Anyone who was in that area around 6 p.m. last night and recognizes the vehicle, or has any information on the suspects, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Attempted Robbery by Sudden Snatching
December 02, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
The individual is a suspect for in attempted robbery by sudden snatching, which occurred on December 1, 2021, at 10801 Corkscrew Road in Estero. An unknown black male requested to look at jewelry in Saks Off Fifth Ave. When the store clerk took the jewelry from the case, the male reached over and grabbed two necklaces from the clerk's hands. The male suspect attempted to leave the store with over $40,000 in jewelry, but several store clerks intervened. A fight ensued and the clerks were able to get the jewelry back.
The suspect is described as a black male, wearing teal scrubs and a medical mask. The male fled the store and ran north bound through the Springs apartment complex.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed robber remains at large
November 10, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down an armed suspect from a late night robbery in the area of 18100 San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers. The pictured vehicle’s may have been involved.
On November 9, 2021, at approximately 11:38 p.m., the victim was walking northbound on San Carlos Boulevard and was approached by an unknown black male, wearing a black ski mask. The unknown male brandished a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied with his demands, and proceeded to hit her over the head with the handgun. The male entered into the passenger side of a newer model white sedan with dark tinted windows, traveling southbound on San Carlos Boulevard.
If anyone has any information or can provide any assistance with identifying one or both of the vehicles, please call Crime Stoppers 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will always remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Postcards hoped to generate new leads in Lauren Dumolo case
October 27, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has some new mailers headed to residents in South Cape Coral, in hopes of generating new leads in the Lauren Dumolo case.
Postcards asking for information in Lauren's case are scheduled to hit mailboxes in the South Cape Coral area today. Crime Stoppers has sent 3,000 postcards to residents and businesses located in the vicinity where Lauren used to live and spend her time. The hope is that one of these postcards will encourage someone who has information about her disappearance to finally step up and share what they know. Lauren went missing from her South Cape home in June 2020 and hasn't been seen or heard from since.
"Along with Lauren's friends and family, we remain hopeful that there is someone who knows more than they've shared so far, and that maybe they have finally arrived at the spot where they're willing to talk," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. " As a community, we need to do everything we can to find Lauren."
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Lauren Dumolo is asked to call Crime Stoppers 24/7 at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will always remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, we'll pay a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Bank robbery suspect sought
October 13, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of robbing a south Lee County bank earlier this afternoon.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., a black male walked into the BB&T branch located at 20280 Grande Oak Boulevard and presented the teller with a check that he wanted to cash. Just as the money was placed on the counter, the teller realized that the account the check was drawn on was actually closed. At that point, the suspect grabbed the cash and left the bank, fleeing the area in a black Chevy Equinox SUV.
The suspect in today's robbery is also a person of interest in several other similar crimes which have occurred both in Lee County and throughout the state over the last few months, and as recently as two days ago. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Reward increased to $20,000 in 2018 homicide
September 27, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is hoping that an increased reward and a new billboard will bring renewed focus to the murder of a young mother which remains unsolved nearly three and a half years later.
Destiney Bocanegra was gunned down in front of a home in Bonita Springs, near Matheson Avenue and Goodwin Street, in April 2018. When gunfire rang out, the 25 year old mother stood in front of her four year old son to protect him. Sadly, Destiney lost her life in the process. She was also pregnant with her second child at the time of the murder.
Over the last three years, some tips have come in on Destiney's case, however Crime Stoppers is hoping that additional reward money will be the key to someone coming forward. The reward in Destiney's case has now been increased to $20,000 - with $3,000 coming from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, $6,500 from the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, and $10,500 coming from Destiney's family. Late last week, a billboard was also posted in the area of US 41 and Old 41 in Bonita, asking for tips to help solve this case.
Anyone with information on the murder of Destiney Bocanegra is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $20,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Prolific offender wanted in Lee County
September 13, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
Thanks to a brave tipster, Christopher Worrell was arrested last night, 9/14/2021, and is waking up in the Lee County Jail. Great work by all involved.
Crime Stoppers is truly appreciative of your support!
ORIGINAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
Christopher Ryan Worrell, DOB 3/24/1988, is a suspect in multiple high dollar thefts from Home Depot. At this time, Worrell has 8 active warrants. He is wanted on 7 counts grand theft and petit theft 2nd or more, which are all related to the Home Depot thefts. His whereabouts are unknown at this time, but Worrell is believed to be a transient in the area of Fort Myers.
Worrell has previous arrests for burglary, larceny, dealing in stolen property, false name to LEO, trespassing, grand theft auto, resisting, loitering & prowling and possession of a controlled substance. Anyone with information on Worrell's whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed suspects sought in late night robbery
August 15, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down two armed suspects from a late night robbery in North Fort Myers last night.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on August 14th, employees closed the Dollar General, located at 4055 Hancock Bridge Parkway, for the evening. As they were walking to their cars, which were parked in the front of the building, two black males, armed with handguns, approached the employees. One employee was restrained outside the business by one of the two suspects, while the second employee was forced to unlock the business and provide access to the store's cash. After grabbing an undisclosed amount of money, the two suspects fled.
Anyone with information on last night's robbery or the two suspects involved is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed robber at large
August 03, 2021
STATUS: ARRESTED
** UPDATE #1 **
Suspect has been identified and arrested.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 3, 2021
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of a robbery with a firearm.
On August 2, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to the Circle K located at 12251 Metro Parkway in reference to a robbery with a firearm. A white male entered the store and approached the cashier, brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun, demanding money from the register and threatening to shoot the clerk. After the store clerk complied, the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as a white male, with a muscular build and a small tattoo on his right forearm. The suspect was possibly seen driving a blue/gray small SUV, possibly an older model Honda Pilot.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this robbery suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Suspect sought in afternoon attempted robbery
July 18, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of an attempted robbery early this afternoon.
Around 1 p.m., a black male entered the CVS store located at 7581 Winkler Road and immediately approached a cashier, demanding money from the register. The suspect told the employee that he had a weapon, which she believed to be a gun. At no point, however, was the weapon actually seen. When the clerk refused to hand over the cash, the suspect fled the store on foot.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this attempted robbery suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
Accused child molester may have more victims
June 15, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying additional victims who may have been sexually assaulted at the hands of a Lee County man.
Last month, detectives charged Heriberto Batista Montijo (DOB 10/28/78) with 19 charges of sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12, child cruelty, lewd and lascivious behavior on a child and multiple counts of the possession of child pornography. Montijo first came on the radar after a DCF tip suggested that the 42 year old was having indecent relationships with very young girls, coupled with a second allegation that he had a collection of videos depicting children engaged in explicit activity. After an extensive investigation into the accusations, Montijo was arrested on May 14th on the multitude of charges involving those accusations. Detectives also discovered a stash of videos containing child pornography in Montijo’s possession.
Now, detectives are looking at the possibility that Montijo could have had sexual relationships with other young girls in our community. Detectives are in possession of videos from Montijo in which sexual acts with young girls can be seen, however faces are not visible. Montijo has resided in Fort Myers and Lehigh in recent months, and at one point worked at a business in Estero which was in close proximity to an elementary school. At this point, Montijo is being held in the Lee County Jail and is facing three capital charges, and if he’s found guilty of those charges, he could face multiple life sentences in prison.
Anyone who may have information on Montijo’s involvement with young girls is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Crime Stoppers tips sought in Fort Myers Beach homicide
May 10, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down the shooter responsible for the murder of a 22 year old man on Fort Myers Beach last summer.
Johnny Jackson was on the beach on July 16, 2020, spending time with friends and family near the Lani Kai resort. Later that night, an unknown assailant shot Jackson and quickly fled the scene. Over the last 10 months, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office have investigated all possible leads in this case, and now, they are asking the public for their help.
Jackson was born and raised in Lee County, and was one of six children. He worked at a lawn care service in Lehigh Acres and regularly spent time with his family, and especially his nieces and nephews.
Anyone with information on the murder of Johnny Jackson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 from Crime Stoppers and $10,000 from an anonymous donor. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Reward increased in murder of Lehigh grandfather
March 02, 2021
STATUS: SOLVED
As the sixth anniversary of the brutal murder of a Lehigh Acres grandfather approaches, Crime Stoppers is announcing an increase in the reward for information leading to an arrest.
Hemchand Bhagwandin and his wife were babysitting their granddaughter when two masked assailants broke into their home around 10:30 p.m. on March 15, 2015. The men restrained Bhagwandin's wife with zipties and made her watch as they savagely beat the 68 year old to death. To date, numerous tips have been received in this case, however none have led to an arrest. Today, Crime Stoppers is increasing the reward to $9,500 for information that leads to an arrest in Mr. Bhagwandin's case.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has partnered with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers and the Florida Office of the Attorney General for an additional $6,500 in reward money, which is in addition to the $3,000 being provided by our local program. The additional reward money is available only through June 30, 2021, and tips must come through Crime Stoppers in order to be eligible for payment.
"The murder of Mr. Bhagwandin was one of the most brutal acts of violence imaginable. His family struggles every single day knowing that the men responsible for his death have yet to be held accountable," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We are confident that there are people in our community who know who his attackers were - we just need them to come forward. We are hopeful that the enhanced reward will be the incentive someone needs to finally step up and do the right thing."
Anyone with information on the murder of Hemchand Bhagwandin is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $9,500 (through June 30, 2021 only). Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Deadly hit and run of Devin Federly hits five year mark
February 26, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Today, sadly, marks five years since Port Charlotte teenager Devin Federly was killed in a horrific hit and run crash. Devin, who was 14 at the time, was riding his bike with some friends along State Street when the driver of a silver Chevy Silverado struck Devin and left him for dead along the side of the road. It's now been five years and still the driver has yet to be located and charged. Time can change people and their perspective. Maybe people who know who killed Devin were apprehensive to come forward initially, but the truth needs to come out. The person who took Devin's life does not deserve to be protected. His family misses him every single day, but today is an especially difficult one knowing that this driver is still living his/her life as a free person and Devin has been deprived of his future. If you know ANYTHING about the driver who killed Devin, please call us at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. It is never too late to do the right thing!
UPDATE - Juveniles tied to two crimes in one morning
February 22, 2021
STATUS: CLOSED
After multiple Crime Stoppers tips were received on the two young men wanted in connection with Monday morning's burglary and armed robbery, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Unit quickly identified and apprehended Felix Ayala (DOB 3/4/08) last night. Ayala has been charged with burglary, robbery with a weapon and resisting an officer. A second suspect has also been identified and a warrant is currently pending for his arrest. Crime Stoppers thanks the community for its quick response and assistance with helping solve this crime in less than 24 hours.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: FEBRUARY 22, 2021
It was a busy morning for two young men, who are wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station, as well as an attempted burglary of a local business.
Their spree started around 1 a.m. today, February 22nd, when the duo were caught on video smashing the front door of Larry's Jewelry and Pawn Shop, located at 11430 S. Cleveland Avenue. When the glass door shattered to pieces, the businesses alarm went off and the two young suspects fled. Just over an hour later, they turned up at the Wawa gas station, located just down the street at 12701 S. Cleveland Avenue. After meandering around the store, reportedly acting suspiciously, the young men went behind the counter and started removing e-cigarettes from the display. When a cashier approached, one of the boys held up a hammer and told the woman to back off. The two then fled out the rear entrance of the store.
"We understand that these are young men, however they have now committed two felony crimes, and upon their identification and arrests, they will be charged accordingly," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Just because they are young does not mean they are immune to facing the consequences of their actions."
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of these suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Tip leads to capture of accused child abuser & 10 Most Wanted fugitive
February 09, 2021
STATUS: CAPTURED
After more than seven months on the run, one of Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted fugitives is finally in custody on charges of aggravated child abuse.
Jeremy Rodriguez (DOB 10/11/83) was taken into custody late last night in Harlingen, Texas by US Marshals, where he had been hiding out with his brother. Rodriguez had been on the run since July 2020 with a bench warrant for child cruelty, and then a subsequent warrant issued in October 2020 for aggravated child abuse. Rodriguez is accused of severely beating a three month old baby, causing skull fractures and other injuries. Witnesses said they saw Rodriguez hitting the child with a closed fist, sticking his fingernails into the baby's neck, as well as throwing heavy toys at the infant.
A Crime Stoppers tip was recently received, indicating that Rodriguez had fled the state and was hiding out with family in Texas. Members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Fugitive Warrants Unit, in conjunction with the US Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force, worked in tandem with their counterparts in Texas over the last few days, and subsequently were able to bring Rodriguez into custody late Monday night. He will be extradited back to Lee County in the near future.
Rodriguez is a multi-time offender, with previous arrests for the sale and delivery of cocaine, aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, domestic violence by strangulation and a sexual offense on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15. Upon his return to Lee County, Rodriguez will be held without bond.
"Jeremy Rodriguez's arrest is proof that even though time may pass, we are always seeking out these fugitives," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We are thankful for every tip we received in this case, but particularly for the one tipster who did the right thing and helped ensure that Rodriguez cannot hurt anyone again."
Early morning armed robber at large
February 06, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
Early this morning, just after 5 a.m., an unknown suspect walked into the Circle K store, located at 17170 San Carlos Boulevard. He immediately showed the clerk a large fixed blade knife with a green handle and demanded money from the register. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the store, possibly on a bicycle, headed northbound on San Carlos Boulevard towards Summerlin Road. He is described as a white male, 5'6", medium build, approximately 30 to 40 years old, wearing a Tampa Bay baseball cap. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this armed suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Missing for one year... #TheSearchContinues for missing 78-year-old Porter Albert
January 26, 2021
STATUS: OPEN
The Fort Myers Police Department continues the search for 78-year-old Porter Taylor Albert, who was last seen on video surveillance buying items at Big Lots store located at 13970 North Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers on January 15, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. Albert is known to frequent the 3000 block of Cleveland Avenue. Albert was officially reported missing by his family on January 21st. Police say there may be suspicious circumstances surrounding Albert’s disappearance.
If you have seen Porter Albert or have any information regarding his disappearance, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or you can submit a tip online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
