Fort Myers, FL, USA - February 7, 2024

In a dramatic turn of events, newly released surveillance footage unveils the intense moments when a Lee County Sheriff’s Office sniper intervened to neutralize an armed man, holding two hostages during a bank robbery.

The surveillance video captures the swift action as the sniper's bullet, fired from the lobby entrance, skillfully navigates past the hostages and strikes the suspect, terminating the imminent threat. Sheriff Carmine Marceno emphasized that the safety of the hostages remained paramount throughout the operation.

The suspect, wielding a knife and purportedly claiming possession of a bomb, had orchestrated the robbery at a Bank of America branch in Fort Myers on February 6th. The gripping footage depicts the suspect cornered behind the counter, with the hostages positioned in front, while members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and Hostage Negotiations Team remained poised outside.

The video offers a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and calculated precision of law enforcement, as the sniper takes aim, supported by a human tripod, to mitigate collateral damage and ensure a swift resolution. The 308-caliber bullet traverses the lobby, piercing a computer monitor before incapacitating the suspect.

Following the sniper's intervention, flash-bang devices were deployed, and law enforcement swiftly moved in to secure the scene, confirming the safety of the hostages and neutralizing any remaining threats.

Sheriff Marceno commended the professionalism and dedication of law enforcement personnel, affirming that their rigorous training prepared them for such critical situations. The successful outcome of the operation underscores the importance of meticulous planning and swift action in preserving public safety.