FORT MYERS, FL – A robbery attempt at a Florida bank on Tuesday ended in a fatal confrontation when law enforcement shot and killed the 36-year-old armed suspect, Sterling Ramon Alavache, who had taken hostages inside the bank.

The terrifying ordeal began around 11 a.m. at a branch of the Bank of America in Bell Tower, approximately seven miles from Fort Myers, when the suspect entered, brandishing a knife and claiming to have an explosive device. As deputies and a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team rushed to the scene, a tense negotiation unfolded with Alavache, who took two individuals hostage during the incident.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno provided a press briefing at the scene, highlighting the intensity and the rapid response that involved the use of advanced law enforcement technology, including a robotic ‘robo-dog,’ drones, and deployment of the SWAT team. The first responders worked to evacuate frightened individuals and secure the perimeter.

During the standoff, Alavache placed a knife against a female hostage’s throat, prompting a decisive response. “Our SWAT sniper took action and shot the suspect when he presented deadly force towards a hostage,” Marceno explained, underscoring the immediate risk posed to the hostages’ lives.

Both hostages were safely recovered from the situation, which has been described as ‘chaotic’ by the authorities. The suspect’s actions necessitated the lethal response to ensure their safety, Marceno stated. No further information about the condition or identities of the hostages was immediately available.

After the shooting, the SWAT officer responsible has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure following such incidents, as further investigations are conducted. Meanwhile, Marceno expressed pride in the performance of the law enforcement teams under extreme pressure, noting their adherence to rigorous and extensive training for such crisis situations.

Post-incident investigations have unearthed Alavache’s background as a convicted felon with a series of serious offenses across several states, including drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and illegal firearm possession.

Sheriff Marceno lamented the unnecessary endangerment of innocent lives due to acts of violence but commended his team for protecting the public and resolving a volatile situation without additional harm coming to any of the hostages or law enforcement personnel involved.