Man with gun leads to Punta Gorda schools lockdown

A 25-year-old man was arrested after he put three schools in Punta Gorda on lockdown, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Wade Lee Brown is accused of wielding a gun at his job at Southwest Florida Landscaping on the 25000 block of Fortran Drive and then fleeing the area, deputies said.

Brown walked into work at approximately 8:10 a.m. turned in his work shirts and began waving a gun around, deputies said. Brown told other employees he “was going through a lot and was in a bad place.”

Brown told other employees he “was going back to the gangster life and not dealing with this anymore,” deputies said. The manager advised Brown appeared under the influence and was acting “weird.”

Brown fled on a bicycle before deputies arrived on scene, the sheriff’s office said. Brown attempted to steal a car at gun point and then ran back into traffic before he was arrested at East Marion Avenue and Elliot Street.

Police canine, aviation and multiple road patrol and specialty units were used in the search for Brown, deputies said.

Sallie Jones Elementary, on 1230 Narranja St., Punta Gorda Middle School on 1001 Education Ave. and Charlotte High School on 1250 Cooper St. were put on lockdown.

Brown remains at the Charlotte County Jail and faces a charge of carjacking, deputies said. Further charges are pending as the investigation continues.

The gun reported to be in Brown’s possession has not been located, deputies said.