Brian Smith

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office today is asking the public to help them locate two suspects who they believe are responsible for an armed hijacking on the evening of Thursday, December 9. The Sheriff’s Office was called at 11:36 p.m., that night in regards to the car jacking which occurred on Daniels Parkway near Gateway Blvd.

Deputies met with the 19-year-old, male victim who told them he had been flagged down by two men stopped on the side of the road in a two-tone pickup truck. Once the man had pulled over, a man entered the passenger side of his BMW and a second approached his driver side door. He was then forced out of the car, while the first suspect moved into the driver seat. The second suspect was armed with a handgun and struck the victim with the gun, investigators said.

The second suspect returned to the truck and both vehicles were last seen driving west on Daniels Parkway.

The victim was treated and released for injuries received during the violent crime, investigators said.

A ground and air search occurred and both vehicles were found in the Bella Casa community. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Robbery Unit have identified two suspects in the crime as 29-year- old Thomas Smith and 24-year-old Bryan Smith, both of Fort Myers. They should be considered armed and dangerous, investigators said. Two photos accompanying this story are inmate photos from prior arrests of the two men.

Thomas Smith

Anyone who may know the location of the wanted suspects is asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 dollars. Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).