By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published July 22nd, 2026
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A homicide suspect wanted in connection with a St. Petersburg investigation was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after leading Florida Highway Patrol troopers on a pursuit and barricading himself inside a vehicle along Interstate 75 in Lee County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident began at approximately 12:30 p.m. when state troopers received a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert from the FHP Regional Communications Center regarding a suspect believed to be suicidal and wanted in connection with a homicide in St. Petersburg.
Troopers located the suspect in Lee County and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the suspect fled, prompting a pursuit.
The pursuit ended near southbound Exit 128 at Alico Road on Interstate 75, where troopers successfully performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the suspect's vehicle.
Despite the successful maneuver, authorities said the suspect refused to comply with lawful commands and barricaded himself inside the vehicle. Florida Highway Patrol troopers and deputies with the Lee County Sheriff's Office established communication with the suspect before he was ultimately taken into custody.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has responded to the scene and will investigate the use of force during the arrest.
"State Troopers and law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the people of this great state," said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner in a statement. "As this is an active criminal investigation, we will have no further comment, except to say how thankful I am for the heroism State Troopers display each and every day, including this very challenging and dangerous incident today. The entire Florida Highway Patrol is deeply thankful for the heroism and support Lee County Deputies provided in responding, as well."
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or additional information regarding the homicide investigation in St. Petersburg. The investigation remains active.
Source: Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) sent to iSkyNews.com
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