Deputies responding to a liquor store robbery in North Fort Myers Saturday made a quick arrest after they apprehended a man matching the suspect description in the parking lot.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an armed robbery at the AAA Discount Beverage in the Weavers Corner Shopping Plaza, 1800 N. Tamiami Trail at 3:29 p.m..
They were told a masked man had entered the business and threatened the cashier with a knife while demanding cash. The employee, who sustained a minor laceration to his neck and chin when the robber put the knife to his throat, complied with the demands.
The robber left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and was seen heading toward a nearby grocery store where deputies confronted him. The suspect ran, but was successfully taken into custody as deputies converged by foot and patrol cars on Bayshore Road. A knife and the cash were recovered, officials said.
No one was injured during the apprehension.
Detectives with the Robbery Unit of the Sheriff’s Office assumed the investigation and witnesses identified the suspect.
Joseph L. Burgess, 41, of Immokalee faces multiple charges including robbery with a weapon, wearing a mask during the commission of a felony, committing aggravated battery during the commission of a first degree felony and resisting arrest, officials said.
Burgess was transported to the Lee County Jail.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office