ESTERO, Fla. — The suspect involved in an officer-involved shooting displayed a firearm in a threatening manner, prompting deputies to open fire, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Trey Steven Chenault, 26, remains in critical condition after he was shot in a wooded area behind the Coconut Point mall. U.S. Marshals and Lee County deputies found him there after searching for more than two weeks. He was wanted for alleged battery of an officer Nov. 11.
Chenault was transported to a hospital following the shooting. It’s unclear how many deputies fired at him.
Chenault has a history of brushes with the law. He’s been arrested 13 times since 2008.
Community members were shocked that a shooting happened in Estero, an area they thought was safe.
“Actually, it’s very concerning because usually this is a very quiet and safe neighborhood,” said Joyce Beaudoin, an Estero resident. “… I’ve always felt extremely secure, because it is never heard of before.”