Punta Gorda, FL – June 1, 2022
A suspicious person lurking in the area of Sunkist Drive and Grapefruit Lane in Punta Gorda, alerted neighbors to notify CCSO. The suspicious man was identified as 24-year-old Shane Sexton.
As the deputy arrived on scene, they observed a white male without a shirt, walking a bicycle between two trailers on Sunkist Drive. Based on past interactions with the subject, the deputy was able to identify him as Shane Sexton (05/11/1998). Sexton, upon seeing law enforcement, got onto his bicycle and began to peddle away. When emergency lights were activated, Sexton began to quickly flee. When verbal commands to stop were ignored, the deputy began chasing Sexton for approximately 140 yards where Sexton attempted to conceal himself in the woods.
Sexton exited the wooded area when commanded and was taken into custody. While walking the same path back to the patrol vehicle, the deputy located $21.00 and a cellophane wrapper next to each other. The contents inside the cellophane wrapper tested positive for methamphetamine which Sexton later admitted being in possession of.
When the deputy met with the complainant on scene, they advised that Sexton had shown up to their property and uttered “I was at your finance job watching her.” Shane Sexton has been causing concern for the homeowners in the area and has recently been observed peeking into windows and trespassing. Sexton was transported to the Charlotte County Jail on the following charges:
- Possession of a controlled substance without prescription
- Possession or use of Drug Paraphernalia
- Resisting Officer without Violence
- Loitering or Prowling
“My hope is that citizens of Charlotte County, and those visiting here, will contact us when they observe any suspicious activity,” says Sheriff Bill Prummell. “The more information we have, the better we are able to eliminate criminal activity in your area,” he adds.
CCSO advises community members to always report suspicious activity to the non-emergency number at 941-639-2101.