FORT MYERS, Fla. – A workplace disagreement in Fort Myers escalated into a criminal investigation this past weekend after a Lehigh Acres man allegedly sent messages threatening to kill his colleagues.
Timothy West, an employee at a business on Alico Trade Center Road, was taken into custody by Lee County deputies following a tip from a concerned coworker.
The situation began earlier in the week with a verbal argument between staff members. While the initial dispute appeared to have ended, investigators say West later took to social media and private text messages to voice his frustrations.
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These messages reportedly contained specific threats to harm a coworker and carry out a mass shooting at the place of business.
Detectives noted that the investigation gained momentum thanks to a third-party coworker who was not involved in the original spat. This individual saw the messages and alerted authorities, allowing the 3rd Precinct Crime Section to step in before any physical violence occurred.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the citizen who came forward with information and helped prevent what could have become a tragic situation,” said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “If you see something, say something and make the call to us, Lee County. Taking action truly makes a difference and can save lives.”
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Deputies tracked West to his home, where he was arrested without incident.
He has since been transported to the Lee County Jail and faces a felony charge for making a written electronic threat to kill or conduct a mass shooting. Local law enforcement officials credited the quick reporting for their ability to resolve the case safely.
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