LCSO deputy’s neighbor arrested after allegedly crashing into his garage and shooting

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The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office arrested the neighbor of an LCSO deputy following an alleged targeted attack that involved ramming into a garage and firing shots.

Authorities arrested Derek Evan Weber, 32, after he allegedly drove into the garage of his neighbor’s LaBelle home, who works as an LCSO deputy, and opened fire on Sunday.

Derek Evan Weber, 32 mugshot. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office

A 9MM handgun was in Weber’s possession, according to deputies.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, in a Monday news conference, mentioned that Hendry County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly responded to the scene.

According to Marceno, the deputy and his son were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

According to deputies, 16 shots were fired at the time of the shooting.

“When I arrived on scene,” said Hendry Sheriff Steve Whidden at the news conference, “I was very surprised at the magnitude of this incident where this gentleman — say gentleman lightly — actually drove his vehicle through the deputy’s garage.”

No injuries were reported.

“In my opinion,” added Whidden, “it takes a very mentally unstable person to do something like this, and it could have been bad. But he was quickly apprehended.”

Marceno stated that the shooting is suspected to be a targeted attack on law enforcement.

Weber has been charged with shooting a firearm into an unoccupied dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in a residential area.

He is being held without bond.

A video posted on X by LCSO shows the vehicle driving into the home.

Marceno provided this statement about the arrest:

“It takes a special person to become a law enforcement officer. They must be warriors, caregivers and role models. They are held to the highest standards because that’s what the communities they protect deserve.

Many say that it’s a lifestyle more than just a job.

Kissing your loved ones goodbye and leaving for your shift, not knowing if you’re going to walk back through the door, weighs heavy.

When you are home, you decompress, sleep, and spend time with those that support you. You are in the safety of your residence and trust the other brave men and women in law enforcement have the watch.

On April 13th, one of my family members, who resides in Hendry County, had his personal property and assigned Lee County Sheriff’s Office patrol car damaged.

Wasting no time, members of my team and the men and women of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office began to investigate.

The following day, around 11:30 AM, 32-year-old Derek Evan Weber of LaBelle decided to drive his vehicle through my deputy’s garage door and open fire with a 9mm handgun.

My deputy is a hero. He jumped into action to protect his family. He ran to danger when so many others would run away. Thank God he and his family were not injured during this attack.

Law enforcement all over the country have been attacked for simply doing their jobs. District attorneys and elected officials in some areas don’t hold criminals accountable, releasing them with no bail back into the communities to victimize more people in SWFL.

We have and will maintain law and order and protect those who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities. It is more dangerous to be a law enforcement officer now than ever before.
Our amazing state attorney, Amira Fox, backs her law enforcement partners. She ensures criminals are held accountable and believes that the most important thing to the residents she serves is their safety and security.

The LCSO deputy is on paid administrative leave. He will also be afforded resources to make sure he and his family are taken care of.

I have personally been in contact with my deputy. He and his family are doing well and have my full support. Once the crime scene was cleared, members of our team worked into the night to secure his residence so his family could have some peace.

I would also like to thank my brother, Sheriff Whidden, and his team for their continued support every day. It doesn’t matter what patch is on your sleeve or the color of your uniform. We are all part of one team with the same goals.

While some administrations have demonized law enforcement because of their own failed policies, Florida is thriving with those who want to live in a place where they know they are safe.

We will have law and order in SWFL.”

According to Hendry County Court, Weber’s next court date is April 30.

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