Robert Lewis VanWagoner

Lee County Sheriff’s Public Relation Officer Larry King said that on Monday, July 20, at 4:49 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a domestic violence incident involving a man with a gun preventing a woman from leaving her home. he said deputies responded to a residence in the Buckingham area and established a perimeter while verifying information received in the call.

It was confirmed two female juveniles had been allowed to leave the home after being threatened by the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Robert Lewis VanWagoner (aka VanWagner) of Fort Myers. The adult female was still inside the home and the suspect was threatening her with a rifle, authorities said. Due to the nature of the crimes committed, names, ages and addresses of the adult and juvenile victims were not released.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Echo District patrol, Hostage Negotiation Team, Special Operations, Aviation and K-9 Units, as well as the Mobile Command Center responded to the area. Around 6:30 p.m., the suspect was seen leaving the home with his hands in the air. He was taken into custody without incident, King said.

After interviewing witnesses, detectives learned the suspect had arrived at the home and threatened to break in through the glass door if it wasn’t opened. The victim in fear for her safety complied, King said. VanWagoner is accused of obtaining a rifle, threatening to kill the victim and committing a sexual battery. Eventually, the victim begged the suspect not to shoot her and he noted the presence of law enforcement, King said. VanWagoner relinquished the firearm to the victim and surrendered to deputies.

VanWagoner has been charged with three counts of false imprisonment, three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, one count sexual battery and one count of violation of a no contact order.