Lehigh Acres man arrested after driving car into canal

Published:
Michael Johnston. Photo via the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. A 26-year-old man was arrested Friday after losing his temper and crashing his car into a canal, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to a disturbance call at a home at 606 Grandview Drive on Thursday around 3:34 p.m. Michael Johnston had gotten into a heated argument with his wife that quickly turned physical, deputies said.

Johnston grabbed his wife, scratched her, then brandished a knife and threatened to kill her, according to the sheriff’s office.

However, Johnston’s wife managed to escape to the front yard to call for help. Johnston tried to take her cell phone, but to no avail.

After punching his wife, Johnston got in their car and revered out of the driveway. He drove around the yard and hit his father-in-law’s vehicle, which had Johnston’s children inside, deputies said.

Johnston then sped toward his wife and father-in-law.

As Johnston’s wife pushed her father out of harm’s way, Johnston hit her and pinned her against a tree, according to deputies.

He fled the scene avoid capture and ended up crashing into a canal.

Johnston is in custody facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, neglect of a child and leaving the scene of a crash with no bond set.

Johnston’s wife was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to recover.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.