On Saturday, Jan. 02, 2010, at 8:45 a.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a shooting. The incident occurred near Briar Lane and Balfour Terrace, a remote area of Lehigh Acres, Florida. Deputies responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, a black, 1999 Ford Expedition was found on Balfour Terrace, west of Briar Lane, in the middle of the road. A nineteen year old male, identified as David Diaz of Miami, was found in the driver’s seat, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was airlifted to the Trauma Center at Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment. A residence at 14370 Briar Lane was later determined to be the actual location where the shooting took place. Deputies began a safety check of the home and nearby structures to determine if anyone else was injured. No one else was found, however, an elaborate marijuana grow operation was discovered.

Due to the nature of the incident, Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit were assigned to continue the investigation. At the Briar Lane address, 301 marijuana plants with a street value of more than 1.2 million dollars have been removed. The equipment and materials used in the hydroponic grow operation, assembled in the barn, were dismantled. Other evidence has been documented and collected.

The shooting victim remains in critical condition. The circumstances which resulted in the shooting are still under investigation. Anyone with information about these felony crimes is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS(8477).

Source: Lee COunty Sheriff’s office