Lee County residents worried after recent, violent crimes

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.- A number of high profile crimes have taken place in Lehigh Acres in the past few weeks. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office tells WINK News crime is on the rise in the area.

A grandfather was murdered, a Lee County deputy stabbed, a homicide, and a shooting at a birthday party all happened with a week.

“We have seen an increase, we are busy,” said Lt. Jeff Dektas.

For more than 20 years, Ray Wetzel has called Lehigh Acres home.

He says he’s seen it go from a quiet community to a violent one.

“I have an alarm system, I have a weapon in my house, and I shouldn’t have to live like that,” said Wetzel.

Elex Simmons says he was a victim of a violent home invasion six years ago.

“What I was thinking, me and my wife are going to be nothing but a blood spot on this floor when they leave,” said Simmons.

The problems are not just in Lehigh Acres. So far in 2015, Lee County has seen five homicides. In 2014, there were 19 homicides county wide.

At this rate, the county could meet that same number if not exceed it.

“Whoever is committing these crimes, we’re going to go out and we’re going to attack and we’re going to find them,” said Lt. Dektas.

The sheriff’s office wants everyone to get involved.

“The community needs to probably take as much action as the sheriff’s office is. The community needs to go out and start reporting some of these things,” said Lt. Dektas.

Deputies say solving these acts of violence could help reduce crime. They also say Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is an excellent resource. You can come forward with information and keep your identity protected by calling 800-780-TIPS (8477).