Suspect in NFM deputy-involved shooting still at large

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — Authorities are still searching for a suspect who pointed his gun at a Lee County deputy during a gas station robbery on Dec. 8.

The suspect is accused of pointing his gun when confronted by a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy at the 7-Eleven on the 15000 block of North Cleveland Avenue.

Authorities said the deputy fired his weapon, but the suspect managed to escape. It is unclear whether the suspect was hit, LCSO said.

Bryan Pastre, the 19-year-old clerk who was working that day, is thankful to be alive.

The suspect held Pastre at gunpoint and demanded he surrender the money in both cash registers and the safe, as well as his paycheck.

Then, he went to pull the trigger.

However, his efforts were thwarted when the deputy appeared.

“It was scary,” he said. “When the cop shot, me and my buddy thought the suspect was right in front of the glass, right where we were. So the minute we heard the gunshot, me and him both dropped to the floor.”

Although Pastre no longer works at 7-Eleven, he is terrified the man will find him.

“I’m scared to even walk out my door because it’s so close to home,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the subjects in these photographs is asked to call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or through the Crime Stoppers app.