A 21-year-old man, Alphonso Neal, was shot and killed by deputies on Wednesday afternoon in North Fort Myers. According to Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Neal was wanted for a violent crime that happened just days earlier.
Last Sunday, Neal was accused of shooting two people on Heck Drive, killing one and seriously injuring the other. On Wednesday, around 2 p.m., deputies tracked him down near Suncoast Drive and Laurel Lane to arrest him on a felony warrant.
When officers approached, Neal pulled out a gun and fired at them. In response, three deputies returned fire, fatally shooting him. Thankfully, none of the deputies were hurt.
Neal had a troubling criminal past, including charges like felony battery, stealing cars, and running from the police. His latest warrant included charges for second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a weapon, and robbery.
The sheriff’s office said the shooting happened during a traffic stop. Afterward, investigators from the Major Crimes Unit stayed on the scene well into rush hour to gather evidence.
As per standard procedure, the deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. This case is still in its early stages, and more details may come out as authorities dig deeper.
It’s a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn dangerous during an arrest and how complex such situations can be.