Fort Myers Police officer shot, seriously injured after incident on MLK

An incident between a Fort Myers police officer and a suspect ended in a shooting that left both wounded Saturday night.

The unnamed officer is in serious condition at Lee Memorial Hospital, according to police Chief Derrick Diggs, but he declined to elaborate further.

Fort Myers City Councilman Johnny Streets added that the officer is in surgery. He says, “I ask that the citizens of Fort Myers keep the officer that was shot in their prayers and all the officers in their prayers.”

The suspect is also wounded and in custody, with no other information available.

Multiple witnesses say they heard 10-15 gunshots during an exchange just before 7:30 p.m. between the suspect and law enforcement officers. However, this not been confirmed by police.

FMPD Public Information Officer Mitch Hayley said “We do have a seriously injured officer. We are still attempting to try and get a hold of people that are in his family … There is no threat to the public.”

I just spoke with @fortmyerspolice Chief Derrick Diggs and @leesheriff Mike Scott and offered them any resources they need. Our law enforcement makes unimaginable sacrifices every day to keep our families and communities safe. We are praying for the brave officer shot tonight.

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 22, 2018

There was a heavy police presence at the Marathon Gas Station, 3915 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. as of 11 p.m.. and MLK was shut down for more than 12 hours.

Wednesday marked 10 years since Fort Myers Police officer Andrew Widman was shot was gunned down while trying to break up a fight. This was the last time an FMPD officer was shot.

In Officer Widman’s honor, a law was created that keeps felons who violate probation off the streets until their parole officer can review the case.

On Facebook FMPD said “The Fort Myers Police Department has traffic shut down on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. from Veronica Shoemaker Blvd, to Michigan Ave. Please avoid the area as it may be closed off for many hours.”

NOTE: Witness accounts heard in the Facebook Live video from the scene are unconfirmed and may be inaccurate. 

WINK News reporters Chris Grisby Janae Muchmore were live Sunday morning outside the Marathon Gas Station and Lee Memorial Hospital with the developing story on the officer’s condition. Watch the full segment below: