Behind the Headlines
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.
Armed suspect at large following cell store robbery
October 20, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down an armed suspect who held up a Metro PCS store last night.
Just before 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18th, a white male in his 50s entered the Metro PCS, located at 5205 Palm Beach Boulevard. The man immediately walked up to the counter, pointed a black revolver at the clerk, and handed over a plastic shopping bag, demanding all the money in the register. After handing over an undisclosed amount of cash, the man left the store on foot, headed eastbound on Palm Beach Boulevard.
The suspect is described as approximately 5'5", with a thin build, salt and pepper colored hair, and short beard stubble, wearing a black shirt with a multi-colored logo and a red face mask. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in that immediate vicinity last night, with a suspect fitting this description, 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 by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
One person can make a difference in 27 year old homicide
October 15, 2020
STATUS: OPENTomorrow, October 16th, will mark 27 years since a Fort Myers man was burned to death in his car in a remote part of rural east Lee County. Although the murder of David Comparetto remains unsolved, Crime Stoppers is hopeful that someone in the know will finally come forward after all these years.
On October 16, 1993, 30 year old David Comparetto left his part-time job at a Fort Myers Publix store around 8:30 p.m. and was never heard from again. Later that night, his car was found on fire in east Lee County. Sadly, David's body was found inside the trunk. From the very beginning, investigators have felt that the person or persons responsible for David's murder may have frequented Mermaid's strip club, where David was also known to spend time.
Now, as the 27th anniversary of David's murder approaches, his family, investigators and Crime Stoppers are pleading with the community to finally identify David's killer or killers.
"The answers are out there - they always have been," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "For whatever reason, people who know who did this horrific thing to David have remained quiet all these years, and it's time for the silence to come to an end. David's family should not have to endure one more year without seeing justice served. His killer or killers do not deserve one more day of freedom and, most importantly, David needs to finally rest in peace."
Anyone with information about the 1993 murder of David Comparetto 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.
Anonymous tips needed in murder of Lee County mom
September 03, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help unearthing information that could help solve the murder of a Lehigh Acres mother of four.
It's been more than 20 months since Trenesa Roberts was killed after she left her home for work as a school bus driver. An unknown assailant gunned the 39 year old down around 6:30 a.m. on December 10, 2018 in the 2000 block of Quentin Avenue South. To date, limited information has been shared with investigators, and now Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help.
"Trenesa was a beloved sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter and, most importantly, mother," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Her family has been struggling trying to wrap their heads around why someone would do this to her. They continue to visit her grave site every week and hope that one day very soon, they will be able to see justice served so that Trenesa can finally rest in peace."
Anyone with information on the murder of Trenesa Roberts 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.
Service dog stolen from Lehigh home
August 24, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help finding a service dog who was stolen from a Lehigh Acres family just over a week ago.
The victim said her six month old Serbian Rottweiler named Kairo went missing from her home on Crossman Avenue S. in the early afternoon of Thursday, August 13th. She said she let Kairo out into the front yard around 1 p.m. to use the bathroom, and that there were no concerns because he has been trained to stay on the property. Roughly 10 minutes later, Kairo had disappeared. Despite an extensive search in the neighborhood and surrounding area, he has yet to be found and his owner, and law enforcement, believe he was intentionally stolen.
Kairo is a service dog who was being trained to detect blood sugar levels. He is black and rust in color and was last seen wearing a solid blue leather collar with metal military style dog tags.
Anyone who has seen Kairo, or who may have seen a suspicious vehicle in that neighborhood, 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.
Lee County connections could help solve North Port murder
August 20, 2020
STATUS: OPENThe murder of a Lehigh Acres man in North Port five months ago remains unsolved, but investigators and Crime Stoppers are hopeful that connections in Lee County could be key to finding a killer.
In the early morning hours of March 7, 2020, Javaris Miller was driving southbound on I-75 after leaving a club called "The Hall" in Palmetto, FL. Around 3:30 a.m., while approaching the Sumter Boulevard exit in North Port, someone shot at the car Miller was driving and killed the 22 year old. A witness reported that two vehicles were chasing Miller on I-75 moments before the shooting. As the investigation has progressed, detectives believe that Miller was targeted by a group of men from Lee County who they believe are responsible for his death.
Anyone familiar with Miller who may have first or second hand information about the March murder 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 P3Tps mobile app.
Tips needed to track down parking lot shooters
August 19, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying the persons responsible for a parking lot shooting earlier this month.
On Thursday, August 7th, a large party was held in the parking lot behind the McDonald's, located on Palm Beach Boulevard and Buckingham Road, which is also known to young adults as P Lot. Around 11:15 p.m., one or more suspects opened fire near the crowd, striking several vehicles and one person. Attendees said that at first they thought the noise was from fireworks, but soon realized it was from gunfire. In total, more than 20 casings were found in the parking lot. One female sustained a non-life threatening injury when a bullet ricocheted and struck her in the arm.
In the nearly two weeks since the shootings, rumors have circulated on social media about possible suspects. However, Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with first hand knowledge of what led up to the shootings, as well as the persons responsible, to reach out anonymously 24/7. Tips can be made by calling 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or by submitting 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.
Reward could be increased in search for Lauren Dumolo
August 18, 2020
STATUS: OPENTomorrow will mark two months since a Cape Coral woman went missing and now, community members and Crime Stoppers are hoping to increase the reward money for information that leads to her safe return.
Lauren Dumolo was last seen at her downtown Cape Coral apartment on June 19th. In the days, weeks and now months that have followed, family members, friends and even strangers have tirelessly combed through neighborhoods throughout Lee County searching for any clues as to where she may be. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information in Lauren's case, and a private donor from Marco Island has pledged another $5,000 towards the reward to bring Lauren home.
In response to requests to help increase the reward money, several events are in the planning stages to raise funds, and awareness, in Lauren's case. In the meantime, anyone interested in contributing to the reward to find Lauren may reach out to Crime Stoppers at swflcrimestoppers@hotmail.com for more information.
"Over the last two months, there has been an outpouring of support from the community to help find Lauren," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "But at the end of the day, Lauren is still out there and we need to do everything we can to help bring her home. There are so many people who want to help in some way, but just don't know how. Adding to the reward money affords one more option."
Anyone with any information on the disappearance of Lauren Dumolo is asked to call Crime Stoppers 24/7 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 $5,000 from the private donor. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Find out who Crime Stoppers is looking for with new push alerts
August 14, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has launched a new tool to help the community keep tabs on unsolved crimes and wanted fugitives.
Residents can now sign up for push alerts from Crime Stoppers, which will put a spotlight on crimes being committed in Southwest Florida and law breakers who are on the run. Subscribers to the push alerts will be notified by either email or text (or both) with updates on new surveillance photos, criminal activity, unsolved violent crimes and cases in which detectives need the community's help with.
"Most times, the offenders who are committing crimes in our area live right here in our own community. They go to the same stores and restaurants that we all do business at, and they often times don't do a great job at hiding," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We hope that with the push alerts, subscribers will become more familiar with the criminals that Crime Stoppers is looking for and, in turn, will know to report any information they have on these individuals."
To sign up for the push alerts, visit www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com and click on the link at the top of the home page.
Club Blu tips could provide justice four years later
July 24, 2020
STATUS: OPENDespite the fact that tomorrow will mark four years since the horrific shootings at Club Blu in Fort Myers, Crime Stoppers is hopeful that anonymous tips from the community can still ensure justice for every one of the victims whose lives were taken, or severely impacted, that fateful morning.
Four years ago tonight, a large gathering of young adults turned out for an end of the summer celebration at Club Blu, a business on Fowler Street that has since closed its doors. Towards the end of the night, around 12:30 a.m., as attendees were leaving the club, a spray of gunfire rang out into the crowd. In a frenzy of violence, chaos and panic, fourteen people were shot and injured. Two were killed.
Victims were immediately transported to local hospitals for treatment - mostly for non-life threatening injuries. However Lehigh Senior High basketball star Stef'An Strawder sadly passed away at the hospital. Back at Club Blu, 14 year old Sean Archilles was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four years later, Crime Stoppers is still asking for people who know the person or persons responsible for the shootings and two homicides to come forward and share what they know.
"We understand why people may have been hesitant right after the shootings to come forward due to fear or because they were still in shock. But four years has passed. The individuals responsible for taking the lives of two young men, and leaving more than a dozen others with physical and mental scars, need to be brought to justice," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "It's never too late to step up and do the right thing for the victims, their friends and families, and for our community."
Earlier this week, Sheriff Carmine Marceno joined Fort Myers Police, the FBI and the State Attorney's Office in solidarity and commitment to bringing the Club Blu investigation to a successful close.
"In order to make sure justice is served and the suspect(s) responsible are put behind bars, we need someone to come forward," Sheriff Marceno said.
Anyone with information on the identities of those responsible for the Club Blu shootings is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made 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 $3,000 from Crime Stoppers. Tips leading to an arrest and conviction will be eligible for an additional $17,000 being provided by FMPD and the FBI.
Tips needed to track down suspect who shot family dog
July 22, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down a suspect who shot and killed a family pet in Lehigh Acres last weekend.
The victim said her son started to take one of the family's dogs out for a walk on Saturday, July 16th around 8:30 p.m. When he opened the door, both dogs ran out unleashed. While he was in the neighborhood trying to round the canines up, he heard several gunshots in the area of Jones Drive and Leda Avenue S. Moments later, both dogs started running towards their home, with one of the dogs limping. Once securing both canines inside the residence, the victim inspected the injuries and found one wound, which appeared to possibly be from a BB gun, inflicted on the Blue Brindle pit bull's right shoulder. Over the next 18 hours, the victim monitored the injury at home and worked to control the bleeding. The next day, she brought the dog, named Kaia, to the veterinarian, however her pet sadly passed away on the way there.
On Sunday, July 18th, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Animal Control responded to the Lehigh home and began an investigation into the shooting. Although an extensive neighborhood canvas was conducted, no witnesses have come forward yet to help track down the shooter. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, or who has any information relating to the incident, 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.
12 years later, Charlotte cold case remains unsolved
July 14, 2020
STATUS: OPENTwelve years after a Charlotte County young man was brutally attacked and killed, Crime Stoppers is still asking for the public's help solving this cold case.
Today marks 12 years since 20 year-old Alex Teehee was murdered in Charlotte Harbor. Alex was violently assaulted and left for dead in the roadway in the middle of the night. A passerby found Alex clinging to life and called 9-1-1 for help. Although he was transported to the hospital, Alex passed away from his injuries.
At the time of Alex's death, Crime Stoppers asked for the public's help. And now, a dozen years later, we are still reaching out to the community for answers to help solve Alex's case.
"Over the years, the names of several suspects have been on the radar, however there has never been enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution of those involved in Alex's murder," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "But despite the time that's passed, it's never too late to step up and ensure that the person or persons responsible for Alex's murder pay the consequences for their actions. Although nothing will bring him back, Alex's family, his friends, and most particularly his two sons, deserve to see justice served."
Anyone with information on the murder of Alex Teehee is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 and an anonymous donor is offering an additional $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Suspect who sexually assaulted Lehigh teen sought
June 12, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a man accused of sexually assaulting a 14 year old in Lehigh Acres last night.
The victim was walking in the area of Gary Lane and Gordon Avenue South just after 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11th. A black male driving a silver sedan drove by the girl twice, and on the second trip he exited the vehicle and forced the girl into his car at knifepoint. After driving her a short distance, he forced the victim to perform sexual intercourse. A short time later, he drove her back to the area of Gary Lane and told her to get out of the car. The driver was last seen driving eastbound on Gordon Avenue South.
The suspect is described as a black male, in his 40s, with a medium build, short black hair and a goatee. This afternoon, the victim sat down with detectives and was able to provide enough information to create a sketch of his likeness. Anyone who may recognize this man, or who may have seen the silver sedan in the area of Gary Lane and Gordon Avenue South around 6 p.m. last night 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.
Crime Stoppers postcards to encourage new tips
June 10, 2020
This week, many residents throughout Southwest Florida will be receiving a postcard in their mailbox reminding them that Crime Stoppers is still the only anonymous place to submit tips on unsolved crimes and illegal activity.
The direct mail postcards are part of a new campaign aimed at reinforcing the fact that tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers 24/7 without ever having fear of being identified. In total, 25,000 postcards have been mailed out to residences in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties. Two billboards have also been posted in North Fort Myers and central Fort Myers with the same theme.
"So often people have information about wanted felons or unsolved crimes, but they don't want to get directly involved with making official statements or having to show up in court," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "The goal of this campaign is to remind residents that Crime Stoppers is the only way to help law enforcement without any possibility of ever being identified. We all want to live in safe communities, and this is one way that residents can help be the extra eyes and ears that law enforcement needs to keep our streets safe."
All tips submitted to Crime Stoppers, whether through the hotline, website or the P3Tips mobile app, are 100 percent non-traceable. No calls are ever recorded, nor IP addresses traced. In Crime Stoppers' 40 year history, not once has the identity of an anonymous tipster ever been known.
Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling the hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), or submitting a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Suspect sought after two overnight robberies
June 10, 2020
STATUS: OPEN** UPDATE # 1 **
Nearly two months after an armed suspect robbed two North Fort Myers convenience stores, Crime Stoppers is still seeking information to help detectives bring him into custody. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Anyone with information which leads to his arrest will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 16, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down a man who robbed two North Fort Myers convenience stores overnight.
The first incident occurred at 11:27 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15th at the 7-Eleven store located at 15999 N. Cleveland Avenue. A store clerk said the young man entered the store wearing a bandana over his face when he approached the counter. He pointed a small caliber silver semi-automatic pistol at the clerk and demanded all the cash in the register. After being given an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled in a silver four-door sedan, headed westbound on Littleton Road.
Roughly a half hour later, at 12:01 a.m., the same suspect walked into the Circle K, located at 4600 Bayline Drive. After briefly browsing through the store, he approached the check-out counter and pointed a gun at the clerk, again demanding all the money in the register. In fear for her life, the clerk complied, after which the suspect fled eastbound on foot.
The suspect is described as 5'5", fair skinned, with dark eyes, approximately 150 pounds, and likely in his mid to late 20s.
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 by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Search is on for early morning Lehigh armed robber
June 09, 2020
STATUS: APPREHENDED** UPDATE #1 **
Within the last hour, Sean Robert Lortz (DOB 7/21/2000) was arrested and charged with the April 21st armed robbery that occurred at the 7-Eleven store on Lee Boulevard. Lortz was identified as a direct result from an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip.
Lortz will be booked into the Lee County Jail later this evening.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 20, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down an armed suspect who robbed a Lehigh Acres convenience store early this morning.
The suspect entered the 7-Eleven store, located at 4325 Lee Boulevard, just after 4:30 a.m., brandishing a semi-automatic handgun. After firing several shots, he demanded all the cash from the register. The clerk complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, after which the suspect took off on foot southbound towards Gunnery Road. No injuries were reported.
The suspect is described as a black male, between 20 and 30 years old, approximately 5'10" with shoulder length dreads with blonde tips and shells at the end. He was last seen wearing a black long sleeved shirt, khaki pants and a black facemask. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this suspect, who should be considered armed and dangerous, 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 - Suspect sought in stranger danger incident
June 03, 2020
STATUS: OPEN** UPDATE #1**
A composite sketch of the man suspected in Saturday's stranger danger case in Cape Coral has been released in hopes of securing a name. Residents are asked to take a close look at the sketch and contact Crime Stoppers with any information on his identity and possible whereabouts. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: MAY 31, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a middle aged man who tried to lure a juvenile female into his car late yesterday afternoon.
The victim was walking home from the Wal Mart store on Skyline Boulevard in Cape Coral on Saturday, May 30 around 4:50 p.m. when a unidentified black male pulled up next to the victim. He said she was beautiful and that she should get in the back seat of his car. An alert neighbor witnessed the incident and intervened to protect the girl, which caused the suspect to flee the area.
The suspect is described as being in his 50s, bald, with a grey stubble beard and a Jamaican accent. He was driving a grey Honda Odyssey that had a pink Auto Nation plate frame. Anyone with any information on this incident, the driver or the suspect vehicle 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.
Information still needed in fatal hit and run
April 27, 2020
STATUS: OPEN
Crime Stoppers is still asking for the public's help generating any leads in a hit and run crash that took the life of a Fort Myers man in January.
55 year old James Flesher was riding his bicycle on the paved shoulder of US 41 near Page Field around 4:30 a.m. on January 13th, which is a path he was familiar with and rode nearly every day. A driver headed northbound struck Flesher, however continued on, never stopping to render aid. Flesher was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he later passed away.
Anyone who may have been in the area of US 41 near Page Field that morning, or who may have heard any information about the identity of the driver in the subsequent weeks and months, 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.
Tips needed to track down puppy killer
April 23, 2020
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help tracking down the person responsible for abusing an eight week old puppy and tossing its dead body in a dumpster.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, a passer-by found the tiny mixed breed Chihuahua in a dumpster at the Brittany Apartment complex, located at 4050 Winkler Avenue. Detectives with the Lee County Sheriff's Office, along with Animal Control, immediately responded and removed the female puppy from the scene. A necropsy revealed multiple signs of abuse that led to her death.
Late yesterday afternoon, and into the evening, investigators canvassed more than 300 apartments located within the complex to generate any leads, however the only information gleaned was that a witness had seen two similar looking puppies a few days prior. Now, Crime Stoppers is asking for the assistance of the public and local veterinary clinics, to help identify who owned the puppy and ultimately, whose violent actions led to her death. Flyers are also being distributed to residents in the area of the Brittany Apartments.
"Someone with the capacity to beat a tiny, defenseless puppy and discard its body in a dumpster like a piece of trash should not be walking our streets as a free person," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We are hopeful that someone saw something and will come forward so that detectives can ensure that justice is served and that this person is not able to injure another animal again."
Anyone with information on the owner of the puppy, or the person responsible for her death, 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 by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE #2 - Armed suspect at large after early morning attempted robbery
April 20, 2020
STATUS: OPEN** UPDATE #2 **
Video of the attack from yesterday morning’s attempted robbery at the 7-Eleven on S. Cleveland Avenue.
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 #1 - 4/19/2020 **
**ADDITIONAL PHOTO**
Updated photo of the suspect leaving the store. It is believed that he fled towards the Pine Manor area.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 19, 2020
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help identifying and tracking down a suspect who held up a South Fort Myers convenience store early this morning.
Just after 1 a.m., the suspect walked into the 7-Eleven convenience store, located at 11700 S. Cleveland Avenue. Armed with a metal pipe, the man approached the store clerk and demanded all the cash in the register. After being struck once by the suspect, the clerk came around the counter and chased the man out of the store, who left without any money.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, between 5'5" and 5'7", with a husky build and a tattoo on the side of his neck. 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 by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted felon busted in Tampa
April 16, 2020
STATUS: IN CUSTODYOne of Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted fugitives, who had been evading arrest for several weeks, was located and arrested early this morning.
Eliseo Mata (DOB 10/18/89) had been on the run since March 10th on charges relating to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the possession of a firearm with an altered serial number and grand theft auto. Members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Fugitive Warrants Unit, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force, immediately began the search for Mata in the Bonita Springs area. Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that Mata was hiding out in a duplex in the Tampa area. Working in tandem with the U.S. Marshals Tampa Task Force, Mata was located at a duplex early this morning and taken into custody without incident.
Crime Stoppers placed Mata on its 10 Most Wanted list on March 16th. He is a registered convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, starting at age 13 when he was busted for burglary. To date, he's been jailed for crimes including armed robbery, the sale of cocaine, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and DUI, among others. He's also been sent to state prison four times for robbery and drug related charges.
"Eliseo Mata's arrest this morning is a testament to the fact that if you commit violent crimes in our community, law enforcement will not rest until justice is served," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We may be in the midst of a pandemic, but rest assured that members of the Fugitive Warrants Unit and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force are working day and night to keep our community safe from perpetrators like Mata."
Mata will be extradited back to Lee County at some point in the near future.
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