Kidnapping suspect also involved in robbery at Fort Myers gas station

A man accused of kidnapping in Lee County was also wanted by Fort Myers police for an unrelated robbery at a gas station.

Tyrone Darnel Witty, 32, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Task Force in Lehigh Acres on Thursday. He remains in Lee County Jail. Bail was set at $160,000 Friday morning.

Authorities say he is responsible for a kidnapping that occurred on Saturday at Page Field Commons when he jumped into a vehicle after a woman stepped away to return a shopping cart.

Two children, ages 7 and 13, were in the stolen vehicle, according to testimony during his first appearance hearing. Their mother told us they were traumatized, and they have not returned to school since then.

Witty is accused of driving four miles with them in the vehicle before fleeing.

Fort Myers police say Witty entered a 7-11, at 2977 Cleveland Avenue, on Aug. 2 and stole approximately $150.00 in lottery tickets from the hand of a cashier.