Man Arrested for Stolen Firearm and Public Safety Threat

Photo byLee County Sheriff's Office / Facebook

By Staff Writer | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC News & Media)
Published March 20th, 2024

NORTH FORT MYERS, FL – In a proactive measure to safeguard the community, deputies from the 1st Precinct of the Lee County Sheriff's Office apprehended 18-year-old Austin Michael Staiano in the early hours of Tuesday in Palmona Park, after he was found violating traffic laws on a bicycle while concealing a firearm.

The arrest took place shortly after midnight when Staiano, donned in a ski mask, failed to stop at a sign and was subsequently stopped by deputies. The situation escalated when law enforcement discovered a firearm tucked into Staiano's waistband during the encounter. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been stolen in a recent burglary, raising serious concerns about Staiano's intentions and the broader implications for public safety.

Staiano now faces charges of Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Loitering and Prowling, on top of his prior charges which include Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. The swift response by the deputies to this suspicious activity led to his arrest and has potentially averted a more serious threat to the community.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno commended the deputies for their diligent efforts, emphasizing the importance of removing dangerous individuals from the streets to ensure the safety and security of North Fort Myers residents. "The residents of North Fort Myers deserve to feel safe without this fool roaming the streets with a handgun. I'm happy to report he's being held on NO BOND," Marceno stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the law enforcement's commitment to public safety.

Staiano is currently being held at the Marceno Motel, a colloquial term for the local detention facility, awaiting further legal proceedings. His detention without bond reflects the severity of his actions and the potential risk he posed to the community.

The 1st Precinct Crime Section Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine Staiano's involvement in the burglary and whether he was responsible for the stolen firearm. This incident highlights the vigilant work of the Lee County Sheriff's Office in responding to and investigating criminal activity to protect its citizens.

Photo byiSkyCreations - News & Media