Deputies apprehend shooting suspect following foot chase in Collier County

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
shooting
Credit: WINK

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred near Ava Maria.

Deputies responded to the shooting incident at around 9 a.m. on Thursday, where they discovered one person was injured.

Shots were fired in the quiet Ave Maria neighborhood and soon after, deputies say 26-year-old Hilberto Callejas from Hendry County, fled the scene.

He took off, bringing police along for the ride, and eventually stopped at the intersection of 60th Avenue Northeast and Everglades Boulevard. He then left and took off on foot.

A massive scene surrounded the area Thursday morning as officers searched for Callejas.

Dozens of law enforcement cars lined the streets as the nearby woods were checked.

“Deputies set up a perimeter and searched the area on the ground, supported by canines, aviation and drone units,” said Sheriff Rambosk.

Estates Elementary School, which is nearby, went on a lockdown while deputies were working to find the suspect and after an hours-long search, Callejas was found In a body of water.

The sheriff’s office said he will be held accountable, and so will others who make similar decisions.

“My message is clear. If you come to Collier County to commit crime or to hurt people, our deputies and detectives are second to none. We will find you, we will arrest you, and you will be held accountable,” said Rambosk.

We are told the victim is in the hospital but is recovering after being shot in the shoulder.

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