Suncoast: Lee County altercation ends in shots fired in unrelated south Punta Gorda neighborhood – Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
CCSO
Charlotte County deputies responded to the area of Espanol and East Twin Lakes Drive in Punta Gorda around 7:14pm on the evening of July 18 in reference to a subject who had been shot and then struck by a vehicle.
Once on scene, deputies located the victim (whose name will be withheld due to Marsy’s Law) with two apparent gunshot wounds to his leg. Deputies also identified John Esquerre (10/08/1965) as the suspect in question.
After speaking with those involved, it was learned that both parties are residents of Cape Coral and that the dispute began over the victim allegedly stealing $1,200.00 and being in possession of a company vehicle. The dispute began in Cape Coral, escalated throughout the day and concluded on Catalina Drive which has no ties to either party.
Once face-to-face, the suspect threatened the victim with a large knife prior to retrieving a firearm from within his vehicle, discharging several times, and striking the victim twice in the leg. After being struck, the victim attempted to leave the area on foot and was witnessed being hit multiple times by Esquerre in a silver truck.
Both parties were transported to a local hospital. The victim seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained during the altercation and the suspect is being treated for unrelated issues.
Esquerre is facing Aggravated Battery, with a Firearm, discharged the firearm causing great bodily harm. The scene has been cleared.
- Booking photo will be available once the booking process has been completed.