Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report of the scene:
SWAT situation over in Lehigh Acres, man who barricaded himself in home is dead
Update 3:23 pm
- Investigators confirm that the barricade situation has come to an end. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the house earlier today while seeking a man wanted on homicide charges. They report that he had barricaded himself inside.
- Upon entering the residence, SWAT team members discovered the man deceased. They noted that no one else was present in the house, and not a single deputy discharged their weapon.
- At this moment, officials are withholding further details regarding the individual involved.
Update 2:35 pm
Fresh drone footage from the scene offers a unique perspective on the unfolding barricade situation being addressed by Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies.
Click to watch the video:
Lehigh Acres drone.mov
Update 1:55 pm
A new video shows a puff of white smoke emanating from the Lehigh Acres home where a person has been reported as barricaded. Shortly thereafter, the sheriff’s office advised crew members on-site to maintain a safe distance from the house due to a gas release. Our team experienced a mild reaction to the odor, but fortunately, it was not serious.
Watch video of the smoke:
Gas at Lehigh Scene
Update 12:46 pm
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has stated that their investigation involves an individual who has barricaded themselves inside a residence. Ella Rhoades is on the scene reporting that SWAT team members have arrived.
Update 12:16 pm
Ella reports seeing around 30 LCSO vehicles at the location, including at least one K9 unit. She captured a photo of a Lee County Emergency Medical Services vehicle present on the scene.
At least 30 Lee County Deputy vehicles and this Emergency Medical Services SUV were active during this intense investigation in Lehigh Acres on Tuesday afternoon.
A neighbor mentioned to Ella that there has been an unusually high presence of what they suspect are undercover investigators in the area recently.
Original Story
Just after noon on Tuesday, Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies were engaged in an active investigation in Lehigh Acres.
While observing, Lehigh Acres Community Correspondent Ella Rhoades noted an investigator donning a medic suit and others clad in camouflage while wielding rifles.
This activity is occurring on Ida Ave near 9th St SW.
At this time, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide additional information. The gravity of the situation lingers in the air as the community processes today’s harrowing events.
This report not only sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement but also evokes profound empathy for all those affected. Witnessing such tragedies often leaves lingering questions about the fragility of life and the complexities that lead to these dire situations. There is a shared humanity among neighbors, feelings of anxiety and concern ripple through the community in Lehigh Acres.
As news continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life in our communities, where beneath the surface of everyday living, layers of stories often remain hidden. The human cost of violence resonates deeply, urging reflection on how to foster understanding and connection in an increasingly complex world.
This is a breaking news story; updates will follow as more information becomes available.
