Barricaded suspect found dead by SWAT in attic of Fort Myers home

Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Barricade
Barricade suspect scene at Prince St. and Dunbar St. (CREDIT: WINK News)

After four hours and multiple efforts by law enforcement, a suspect who barricaded himself in his attic was found dead by a SWAT team.

According to Fort Myers Public Information Officer Kristin Capuzzi, just before 1:30 p.m., FMPD attempted to execute a search warrant related to a felony investigation for possible charges of Aggravated Battery and Kidnapping.

When they arrived the suspect barricaded himself in the attic of a home on Dunbar Street.

Police ID’d the man as Martin Barton Jr. on Wednesday He died one day after his 45th birthday, records show.

Martin Barton Jr., 45. (CREDIT: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Police say they tried multiple ways to resolve the incident peacefully by bringing in trained hostage negotiators which did not work. The suspect’s sister was also brought in to hopefully end things peacefully, to no avail.

Barricade
The scene at Prince St. and Dunbar St. (CREDIT: WINK News)

The suspect was allegedly under the influence of drugs and FMPD was unable to get any response for a few hours, according to police.

A SWAT team was ultimately brought which used tear gas in an attempt to get him out of the attic, without success. SWAT went into the attic where they found the suspect deceased, according to police.

There is currently no cause of death.

Barricade
The scene at Prince St. and Dunbar St. (CREDIT: WINK News)

The investigation was turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was four hours before anyone made contact with the suspect.

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