Punta Gorda man remains at large, neighbors on edge

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. A 41-year-old man remained at large Thursday in connection with an ongoing investigation on Rumford Street.

Roy Lee Poore is accused of seriously injuring a woman on July 24 at a home on the 6200 block of Rumford Street, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said. Poore could face an aggravated battery charge if convicted.

Neighbors in the community have many unanswered questions and some of them fear for their safety.

“We don’t know anything, don’t know what’s going on and we were just waiting to hear, but nobody said anything and we still don’t know anything,” said a neighbor, who wants to remain anonymous.

A preliminary investigation lasted about three days, but the sheriff’s office didn’t issue an arrest warrant for Poore until Sept. 6.

“It’s very frustrating because you know, we have a right to know. I mean living right here we have a right to know what’s going on around us,” the neighbor said.

Nearby residents hope they will gain answers soon to feel at ease.

Anyone with information on Poore’s location should call the sheriff’s office at 941-639-2101 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.