The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man after investigating threats of a mass shooting at a Fort Myers synagogue.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced Thursday his office received a tip from a concerned temple member that resulted in the arrest of 43-year-old Alfredo Sanchez, a man previously convicted of felony firearm charges in Miami-Dade county.
"Sanchez made at least one statement indicating that he had the ability and the means to carry out a shooting at the synagogue," Marceno said.
Upon investigation, Marceno said intelligence unit detectives discovered ammunition, gun cases and gun cleaning accessories at Sanchez’s home. Further investigation uncovered a duffel bag believed to belong to Sanchez at a nearby relative’s house.
"Inside that duffle bag detectives located four firearms, including an AK47 style rifle," Marceno said.
Sanchez has been charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Marceno said his office is working with federal law enforcement to see if Sanchez will face federal charges as well.