Knife-wielding man arrested after being accused of robbing Fort Myers store, police say

A knife-wielding man was arrested on Thursday after robbing a Fort Myers business, police said. According to the Fort Myers Police Department, officers responded to a business on Ford Street at around 9:14 a.m. after reports of an armed robbery. While officers were responding, a sergeant located a man matching the suspect's description near Ford Street and Lincoln Boulevard. The man, identified as Josue Joseph, 41, was detained, FMPD said. Investigation revealed that Joseph had concealed merchandise and attempted to leave the business without paying. After Joseph was confronted by multiple employees, a struggle occurred, and a knife, which was in Joseph's possession, was taken from him and thrown outside. FMPD said that Joseph then retrieved the knife and returned to the business, brandishing the knife at employees while taking merchandise. Officers reviewed surveillance footage that corroborated the victim's account. Joseph was arrested and faces a charge of robbery with a weapon. 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.