Deputy injured when trying to stop crime spree

FORT MYERS, FL – A dramatic crime spree unfolded in Southwest Florida, beginning with a chaotic scene at a Best Buy and culminating in a high-speed chase across Alligator Alley. The incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies and left a trail of chaos across two counties.

The series of events began at the Page Field Commons Best Buy in Fort Myers, where a deputy was injured while attempting to intervene in a shoplifting incident. Three suspects were involved in the theft, and as they fled the scene, one of them backed a car into the deputy, sparking a pursuit that spanned two counties.

The situation escalated when the suspects reached the Bella Vita community in Collier County. Here, a resident found himself in a terrifying situation while washing his window screens. A stranger emerged on his driveway, and with helicopters circling overhead, the resident realized the man was on the run from authorities.

In a desperate attempt to evade capture, the suspect entered the resident’s garage, spotting car keys hanging on the wall. The homeowner quickly dialed 911, but the suspect managed to grab the keys and enter the vehicle. A struggle ensued, with the homeowner bravely attempting to pull the suspect from the car and retrieve the keys.

Despite the homeowner’s efforts, the suspect managed to speed away in the vehicle, initiating a harrowing chase down Alligator Alley. Law enforcement officers pursued the suspect, executing a PIT maneuver at the Alligator Alley toll booth to bring the chase to a halt.

The suspect, undeterred, abandoned the stolen car and attempted to flee on foot, climbing a fence in a last-ditch effort to escape. However, a Collier County deputy intercepted him, bringing an end to the wild pursuit.

Grateful that his children were still at school during the incident, the carjacking victim expressed relief that no one was hurt. The suspect, identified as Paul Fritz, did not appear before a judge, but a decision was made to deny bond for the carjacking charge.