Deputies were responding to calls of a fight in the parking lot of Cadillac Jack's on US-41 near Island Park Road. They arrived to find 25-50 people fighting and heard a report of a vehicle fleeing the scene. Deputies pursued, caught up with suspects at US-41 and Alico Road. Joseph Blake Powell allegedly exited the vehicle with a gun in his hand and started firing at deputies. Witnesses reported hearing over a dozen gunshots from Powell and deputies. Powell was killed, no officers were injured. Powell had a warrant for probation violation. Deputy Jeff Pierot, Lee County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Russell Park, Lee County Sheriff's Office were awarded 2013 Officers of the Year Award.
Victim's Name: Joseph Blake Powell
Agency Responsible: Lee County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Race: White
Date of Death: January 4, 2013
County: Lee
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Unknown
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Suburban