Suspect dead after claiming to have explosives inside Fort Myers Bank of America

Update: In a press briefing held on Tuesday afternoon, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno described the situation at Bank of America as “chaotic.”

Sheriff Marceno revealed that multiple hostages were detained inside the Fort Myers bank on Tuesday morning.

He stated that the male suspect entered the bank armed with a knife and asserted possession of a bomb.

New Video: Suspect dead after claiming to have explosives inside Fort Myers Bank of America at Bell Tower and US 41 in both directions has been reopened.https://t.co/JjLSmcCdiv pic.twitter.com/42M7uNl9jM

— Channel3 Now (@channel3nownews) February 6, 2024

As some individuals managed to flee the premises, hostage negotiations commenced while two individuals remained captive under the suspect’s control.

The sheriff recounted that at that point, the suspect turned physically aggressive, even placing one of the victims in a headlock with a knife held to her throat.

Sheriff Marceno explained that it was then that an LCSO sniper intervened, fatally shooting the suspect.

Thankfully, both hostages emerged unharmed from the ordeal.

Original Report:

The suspect has been reported deceased by LCSO, and US 41 in both directions has been reopened.

An update from LCSO is anticipated within the hour. Information is currently sparse.

A significant law enforcement presence at the Bank of America site at Bell Tower led to the closure of traffic in both directions of US 41 near College Parkway in Fort Myers on Tuesday morning.

This incident is regarded as a “critical incident” by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and we await confirmed details from deputies.

As of now, LCSO has not provided any confirmed details.

Traffic remains blocked on US 41 from College Parkway to Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is present at the scene.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.