New details in Heron Glenn standoff

Author: Andrew Scheinthal
Published: Updated:
MGN Online

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla.- Family members say a fight over money and Christmas presents led to an hours-long standoff with Lee County deputies.

People who live in the Herons Glenn subdivision were kept away from their homes for hours Sunday night.

Residents say they are glad the scary ordeal has come to an end.

“This is something that happens to other places.  You never realize that something like this could happen in a community like this,” said Bob Basile.

Many residents were evacuated when authorities feared for the public’s safety during the tense standoff.

“We tried to pull in and it was all blocked off, and we are not allowed within our community,” said Jan Browers.

According to family members, 45-year-old Matthew Taylor and his wife were arguing over the money she spent on Christmas presents.

“It’s the holidays, you know. It’s just unfortunate for the individuals,” said resident Eric Sumner.

Taylor’s wife told deputies the fight escalated so she took their two teenage children and left. That’s when officials say Taylor barricaded himself in his home with loaded handguns.

According to the police report, Taylor started to text his wife saying he would kill himself and anyone who tried to intervene.

“A retirement community like this, and something like that happening, it’s kind of scary,” said Bill Maple.

Many questions still remain unanswered, frustrating the people who call the development home.

“People are real anxious to know exactly what happened, and we are too.”

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