New details show that a suspect involved in an
officer-involved
shooting
in front of Mel's Diner in Fort Myers opened fire with a gun hidden in his sweater during the incident.
The convicted felon, Myles Andrew Strickland, was shot by U.S. Marshals on Feb. 12, after they say he attempted to flee during an arrest near the Mel’s Diner on US-41 near Page Field.
According to the Fort Myers Police Department arrest report, Strickland had active felony warrants and was seen running from law enforcement before being shot and later taken to a hospital for treatment.
The report states that U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force members had received intelligence that the suspect was in the area of the Baymont by Wyndham Hotel on Cleveland Avenue.
Officers found Strickland coming out of the hotel and attempted to take him into custody. However, Strickland ran toward Mel’s Diner while holding a sweater, which authorities later said concealed a firearm.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots before the officers arrested Strickland. A task force officer said the suspect had wrapped his hands in the sweater and made a motion as if he was cocking a firearm before he was shot.
The suspect was given medical aid at the scene before being taken to a hospital.
Video below: Suspect identified in shooting
Police later confirmed that the gun found inside the sweater had been fired. Strickland had multiple felony convictions, including prior charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, drug possession, and fleeing law enforcement.
Surveillance footage from Mel’s Diner reportedly captured the moments leading up to the shooting but did not record the incident itself.
Mel’s Diner manager, Coco Crowley, described the tense moments inside the restaurant as chaos unfolded just outside the doors.
“It was my job to make sure that everyone in the building was safe,” Crowley said. “That was my only thought.”
Video below: Police on U.S. Marshals Service task force shooting
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Strickland's address is listed as Bartow, Florida, and he remains in custody and faces additional charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting arrest without violence. Further charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Authorities have not released details on Strickland’s current condition. However, he was booked into the Lee County Jail on Tuesday, Feb 25.
Video above: Mel’s Diner manager speaks after shooting
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more.
