An aromored truck was robbed at gunpoint in a daring early morning holdup in Fort Myers today.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 12251 Metro Parkway at 6:29 a.m. in reference to the hoist.
Detectives learned a Brinks armored truck was at the gas station fueling up for the day. Multiple suspects approached one victim, Reitel Carbonell, 46, while he was pumping gas.
Carbonell told investigators there were two or three people wearing black clothing and they they forced him to open the door of the vehicle at gunpoint. One of the suspects reached into the vehicle, taking an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects then fled in a dark, 4-door Honda.
Within minutes of the reported robbery, another call was received by the Sheriff’s Office concerning a vehicle fire in the area of Crystal Drive and Plantation Road. The parking lot at 2543 Crystal Drive was emmpty except for a dark purple Honda 4-door, fully engulfed in flames. It appeared an accelerant had been used to start the fire, officials said, adding South Trail Fire Department responded and put out the fire.
No injuries were reportedin either incident.
The driver of the armored truck has been identified as Wilmer Mendez, 29. He was unable to provide any information as to the descriptions of the suspects, officials said, adding no additional information is available at this time.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1000, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).