Collier County carjacker shot and killed by deputies

NAPLES, Fla.- A woman involved in a carjacking and chase on Tamiami Trail East has died, confirmed the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Michelle Esch, 46, was shot multiple times by deputies after an undercover car t-boned the stolen car she was driving. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said Esch tried to carjack three people prior to the crash and the third time was successful. She stole a silver car from an elderly couple and led deputies on a 5-mile car chase.

Deputies fired multiple shots after they felt their lives were threatened. They have been placed on administrative leave and will undergo an internal investigation. That process is protocol in any officer involved shooting. Then the case will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

Esch was arrested in early September on DUI charges where she said she would “kill a cop” and tried to run an officer over.