A full-on manhunt unfolded in Lehigh Acres on Friday after a suspect shot at a Lee County Sheriff’s deputy, who was responding to a call.
The suspect, identified as Eusebio Montoya, 17, missed the deputy and struck a teenager multiple times, Sheriff Carmine Marceno said.
“We want everyone’s assistance to bring him to justice,” he said. “The message is clear: You don’t get to shoot at one of my family members and leave. And run away. All hands are on deck, and I’m not going to tolerate it.”
He immediately issued a $5,000 Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers reward for Montoya’s arrest. He remained missing Friday afternoon.
Marceno said the deputy was the first to arrive after a call about a domestic disturbance. He approached a car parked next to the Gilbert Avenue South home where a teen appeared to be sleeping.
As the deputy engaged the teen, Marceno said Montoya approached them.
“He begins to shoot at my deputy, my family member,” he said. “Our deputy immediately exchanges fire and the suspect runs away. The deputy looks over and sees our victim in the car, hit multiple times, and begins lifesaving measures.”
Montoya then fled on foot. Deputies recovered the gun they believe he used when they searched the area.
The sheriff said the teen, a 16-year-old male, was at the hospital. They didn’t have an immediate status update, and he was not sure if it was life-threatening.
“This violence has to stop,” Marceno said. “It has to stop. The violence against law enforcement officers all over is sickening.”
He encouraged Montoya to peacefully surrender.
“We ain’t playin’ games,” Marceno said. “The game’s over.”
“We want everyone’s assistance to bring him to justice,” Marceno said. “The message is clear: You don’t get to shoot at one of my family members and leave. And run away. All hands are on deck and I’m not going to tolerate it.”
This is a developing story.