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Man shot in Lehigh; $788,000 in marijuana discovered in nearby grow house

By Staff | Jan 5, 2010

Lee County Sheriff’s deputies are asking the public for help today after they found a 19-year-old male, identified as David Diaz of Miami, in the driver’s seat of a black 1999 Ford Expedition found on Balfour Terrace, west of Briar Lane in Lehigh Acres on Saturday.

Investigators said they received a call concerning a shooting on Saturday. The incident occurred near Brian Lane and Balfour Terrace, a remote area of Lehigh.

The 19-year-old man was airlifted to the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Investigators said a house at 14370 Briar Lane was determined to be where the shooting occurred. Investigators discovered what they called an “elaborate marijuana grow operation” at the house.

Major Crimes officers said 197 marijuana plants with a street value of more than $788,000 were removed. They also confiscated equipment and materials used in the hydroponic grow operation, assembled in the barn.

Diaz remained in critical condition Sunday.

Investigators are asking that anyone with information about the shooting and the grow house operation to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward to contact Southwest Florida CrimeStoppers at 1-800-780-8477.