Shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25th, an unknown black male approached a residence on 12th Street SW in Lehigh Acres, inquiring about the whereabouts of an individual. Upon learning that he wasn’t there, the male left, but returned several minutes later with a second black male, who proceeded to kick through the front door. Both men forced their way into the home, and ordered the victim at gunpoint to face the wall, while they ransacked the house. One suspect was armed with two black handguns, one of which had an extended magazine. The men demanded cash, and managed to get away with two cell phones and the keys to the victim’s car. They quickly left the home in a dark colored Nissan Altima, between the model years of 2002-2006. The getaway car had 22 inch chrome custom rims, and a Hello Kitty license plate frame on the rear of the car.
One suspect is described as 5’6″, 140 pounds, and the second is believed to be 5’10”, 150 pounds.
“We are hopeful that some of the unusual features of the car utilized in this violent crime will help lead investigators to the men behind the crime,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “These men both showed their propensity for violence and until they’re identified and apprehended, there is always a chance that they could attack again.”
One of the suspects in last Tuesday’s home invasion robbery has now been identified. After following up on an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip, detectives located the vehicle sought in connection with the crime, and have subsequently identified one of the two men responsible. A warrant was issued last night for the arrest of Johnny Wade (DOB 11/26/89) on the charge of home invasion robbery with a firearm. Detectives believe Wade was the suspect who pointed a gun at the victim and threatened to kill her. He ie believed to be armed with at least two firearms, including a revolver and a semi-automatic.
Wade has a criminal history, which extends back to his teenage years. His first felony arrest was for burglary and grand theft auto at age 15. Two weeks after that arrest, he was jailed again for yet another grand theft auto. He continued his life of crime at age 16, when he was incarcerated for burglary and larceny theft. Wade’s most recent arrest was just last week for failing to show up in court on a misdemeanor charge.
“Crime Stoppers appreciates the public’s assistance in helping detectives identify a violent offender and now we’re reaching out again to help track Johnny Wade down,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Given that he’s armed and clearly dangerous, there is an immediate need to find him and relocate him to the secure surroundings of a jail cell where he can’t hurt or threaten anyone else.”
A repeat offender arrested in late 2014 for armed robbery and occupied burglary with a firearm was finally sentenced this morning to two life sentences. Johnny Wade was found guilty last month on both counts, and this morning he was sentenced to the two life terms of his actions. Wade will remain in custody at the Lee County Jail until being transferred to a state prison facility.
“The dedication of the justice system and the hard work and tenacity of the robbery detectives who worked this case came to a successful end this morning,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “The guilty verdict and appropriate sentencing of Mr. Wade is proof that the system works. An anonymous tip put detectives on Wade’s trail, and their thorough follow up investigation led to a warrant being issued, and now that Wade has been found guilty on both charges, he will absolutely no longer be a threat to the Lee County community ever again.”