Deputies arrest suspect in Lehigh Acres gunpoint robbery

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

Lee County deputies in Lehigh Acres arrested Roman Deleon, 21, after he was accused of luring a man into a violent robbery near a 7-Eleven on State Road 82 and Sunshine Boulevard South.

The incident began with a casual conversation about guns in the parking lot, which led to an invitation to go shooting at a nearby canal.

The victim recounted that two strangers approached him in the parking lot and asked if he liked guns. After he confirmed his interest, they invited him to a canal by Meadow Road behind the 7-Eleven to go shooting, an invitation he accepted.

Investigators said Deleon was accused of aiming a gun with a blue laser at the victim, saying, "Do you think we're playing?" and stealing the victim's concealed handgun while the other suspect attempted to push him to the ground.

Deputies later arrested Deleon after he drove away with the second suspect, who reportedly was accused of shooting almost 10 rounds towards the canal that night.

Detectives said they found a matching handgun with a blue laser inside Deleon’s bedroom. The sheriff's office has not confirmed if the second suspect has been detained.

Investigators say the victim’s stolen gun has not been recovered.

Back at the 7-Eleven, a store manager confirmed that their surveillance camera tower remains in place to help keep customers safe.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.