Lee County man accused of violating probation after arrest for burglary, battery

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A man is accused of violating his probation following an arrest for burglary and battery.

According to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, Richard Vance, 66, assaulted a driver over a minor traffic situation.

Crime Stoppers said the victim was in his car, pulling out of a store parking lot, when traffic on U.S. 41 got backed up, causing the victim to have to stop, slightly impeding the sidewalk.

Vance, who was on a bicycle, got angry over the blockage of the sidewalk. Vance got off his bicycle and reached into the victim's car, assaulting the man, Crime Stoppers said.

Vance then left the scene on his bike, was located by officers down the road and arrested.

Vance pleaded guilty to the attack and served 36 months in prison before beginning two years of probation, Crime Stoppers said.

Vance was five months into his probation when he violated it, prompting a new warrant for his arrest, according to Crime Stoppers.

Vance has been arrested previously for a sex offense against a victim under 13 years of age.

Vance is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 160 pounds with multiple tattoos, including one of Snoopy with a heart and flowers on his right leg.

If you have information in this case, you are asked to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), on the P3 app or on its website. You can remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

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