by Lee County Sheriff Office 9:34 A.M.
On Wednesday May 9, 2012, at approximately 7:19 p.m. a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was conducting traffic enforcement on I-75 in North Fort Myers. The deputy attempted to conduct traffic stop on a black, Dodge Caravan travelling southbound. The driver refused to stop and made several evasive maneuvers. At one point, the driver swerved the mini-van at the deputy. The pursuit proceeded from the Interstate and ended when the vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Cemetery Road and Stratton Road in the Buckingham area of Lee County.
Three individuals fled from the mini-van. One was taken into custody with the assistance of a Sheriff’s Office K-9. He is identified as Gregory Coleman, age 24, of Lehigh Acres.
A second, the driver, was involved in a struggle with the deputy who initiated the traffic stop. During the altercation the deputy and assailant sustained gunshot wounds. The suspect died as a result of those injuries. The deputy was transported to the hospital and is recovering. Due to the nature of the incident, the Major Crimes Unit has assumed the investigation.
The third occupant who fled from the vehicle has not been located, however, is not deemed a threat to the community. The investigation continues.
An autopsy will be performed and the identity of the driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.