LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — UPDATE (9:04)-- The Lee County Sheriff’s Office announced they have made an arrested in an arson case in Lehigh Acres.
The fire occurred at the Family Dollar on Lee Boulevard.
Deputies arrested Josue Vazquez Reyes overnight and were charged with second-degree arson.
The Sheriff’s Office says Reyes was involved in an internal theft investigation and resigned two weeks before the fire.
It was Reyes himself that called to report the fire.
A detailed investigation led Deputies to Reyes.
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UPDATE 4 P.M.:
On February 26, 2021, at approximately 1:01 am, a 911 caller reported observing smoke coming from a building in the 3500 block area of Lee Blvd.
Crews responded to investigate the reported fire and observed smoke coming from the Family Dollar Store located at 3519 Lee Blvd. The fire required additional assistance from the City of Fort Myers, South Trail, and Tice fire departments. The fire was called out at approximately 5:00 am. No one was injured during the incident.
Once it was determined the building was safe to enter, an investigation was conducted. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson and will remain an open investigation.
The total loss is expected to be approximately $2.5 million.
Investigators would like to speak to anyone with information. Please contact the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigations by calling 1-800-NO-ARSON. Tips can also be reported anonymously to SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. If the information is helpful and leads to an arrest, you could be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $3,000 - while still remaining anonymous.
(UPDATE 4:53 AM)--Officials say the fire is completely out.
The Fire Marshal is on scene.
The fire is out. Crews will now be mopping up. Our Fire Marshal is on scene to investigate once it is safe to enter. pic.twitter.com/8joFS1m6EN
— Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District (@LehighAcresFD) February 26, 2021
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Multiple crews are battling a fire at a Family Dollar in Lehigh Acres.
The Fire Department received the call at approximately 1 am.
The dollar store, which is located on 3519 Lee Boulevard in Lehigh Acres will most likely be a complete loss said one Fire Chief.
Terry Street is shut down for fire trucks.
There is no word on when the street will reopen.
This is still an active fire. pic.twitter.com/8k7PsXfzoh
— Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District (@LehighAcresFD) February 26, 2021
It is still an active scene.
This story is breaking and will be updated with the latest information as we receive it.
