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FORT MYERS, FL — A chaotic scene turned into a self-defense incident Sunday night after a man allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people, prompting two bystanders to open fire to stop the attack.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began with a verbal dispute in the 2000 block of Maravilla Circle. Authorities say 54-year-old Eduardo Lando-Matamoro of Hialeah escalated the situation by intentionally driving his vehicle into a group gathered in a driveway, striking three individuals.
In response, two witnesses drew firearms and shot at Lando-Matamoro, hitting him in the shoulder. Despite his injury, Lando-Matamoro attempted to flee the scene. One of the armed witnesses, identified in surveillance footage by a teal blue shirt, physically subdued the suspect and held him until deputies arrived.
Deputies quickly took Lando-Matamoro into custody. Two victims and the suspect were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After being treated, Lando-Matamoro was arrested on three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno commended the swift and courageous actions of the armed witness, stating, “Their quick actions made a real difference.”
Using a vehicle as a weapon can legally qualify as the use of deadly force, and in this case, the armed witnesses’ decision to respond with their firearms appears to be justified under Florida law. When facing an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death, such as a vehicle attack, the law allows for the use of deadly force in self-defense.
