The Fort Myers Police Department recently requested the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lehigh Acres.

Deputies were dispatched to 866 Eisenhower Blvd. to conduct an investigation into a confirmed stolen vehicle.

During the investigation, deputies attempted to arrest William Dernard Daniels Jr., 32. Daniels violently resisted arrest and attempted to run down a deputy with the stolen vehicle, at which time shots were fired.

Daniels managed to escape in the stolen vehicle and after a short distance crashed the vehicle at the intersection of State Road 82 and Eisenhower Boulevard.

A driver seeing Daniels leave the roadway stopped to render aid at which time Daniels carjacked the person’s vehicle. After a short pursuit, Daniels crashed the second vehicle and was taken into custody by the FMPD.

No one was injured during the incidents.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave as per departmental protocol.

Due to the seriousness of the crimes, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit will conduct the investigation.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office