Police identify man killed in shootout at Fort Myers apartment complex

A man died in a shootout late Wednesday night after Fort Myers police say he fired a rifle at them from an apartment off Ortiz Avenue.

According to the Fort Myers Police Department, officers responded to the Vistas at Eastwood around 11:30 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots being fired from an apartment. Upon arrival, officers say they were immediately met with gunfire from a man armed with a rifle.

Fort Myers police identified the shooter as 29-year-old Ryan McFarland-Bauer.

The shooting went on for around 20 minutes, according to timecodes in Ring surveillance videos WINK News acquired from residents at Vistas at Eastwood, and when police said they first received a call for shots fired.

FMPD held a news conference about the shooting. You can watch a replay in the player below or by clicking here.

Officers returned fire and evacuated the surrounding apartments. After a SWAT team entered the building, the man was confirmed dead. No further injuries were reported.

FMPD says the investigation will be turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as is done with all officer-involved shootings. Police say two officers have been placed on paid administrative leave for firing their weapons, as is department policy.

“These officers, I want to stress, did exactly what they are trained to do. They acted in a heroic fashion, true to their oath, true to their community, and true to each other. I am proud of not only those two officers but all of the officers and dispatchers that responded to this call and reacted to this call,” said Fort Myers Police Deputy Chief Jeffery Meyers.

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