The "Bear in the Air" Has Teeth

It can be tough to identify and track people with bad intentions at ground level, but a little elevation and FLIR technologies can be awesome aids in the process. That's why the Lee County Sheriff has established an exceedingly capable aviation unit with helicopters, drones and staff trained to use them to protect the County.

On September 25, 2020 the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at the Pier 41 Marine boat dealership in Fort Myers located at 15820 South Tamiami Trail.

Their Aviation Unit used state of the art FLIR camera technology (probably from their H-125) and observed the suspect, later identified as Humberto Diaz (DOB 07/04/1966). Diaz was seen walking from the business and moving two Yamaha lower units he had removed from boats. Aviation directed deputies to Diaz’s location.

“I am so proud of the swift and diligent work our deputies and detectives put into this burglary investigation,” stated Carmine Marceno “Our Aviation Unit went to work and caught this burglar in action.”

Diaz ran from deputies, leading them on a brief chase, but quickly apprehended him after deploying their taser.

Deputies soon after located the boating equipment hidden in nearby bushes along with a black bag containing tools to commit the burglary.

Diaz was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure, Possession of Burglary Tools, Resisting without Violence, and Grand Theft over $5,000.

FMI: https://www.facebook.com/sheriffleefl/