Deputies: Port Charlotte man shoots father to death, turns himself in

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man accused of fatally shooting his father and then turning himself in at their home on Abscott Street in Port Charlotte.

Deputies arrested Melquan Anthony Stewart, 25, on Tuesday after gunshots were reported in the area of Abscott Street, near Port Charlotte Middle School, and between U.S. 41 and Kings Highway at around 7 p.m. on Monday.

According to law enforcement, one caller had reported seeing a man bleeding in the driveway. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the victim had sustained several gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Multiple command units arrived on the scene, where deputies sectioned off several properties on both sides of the street to conduct their investigation.

Law enforcement remained overnight, as deputies further their investigation on Tuesday.

While working the scene, deputies found the victim’s vehicle arriving and parked a short distance away. Inside the vehicle was Stewart, who exited the car and approached the law enforcement officers.

According to the sheriff’s office, Stewart was covered in what appeared to have been blood, prompting them to question him. Stewart told deputies that he was surrendering to law enforcement and would speak with detectives. The sheriff’s office said that he would later confess to the shooting.

Stewart was placed under arrest and charged with murder. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.