Police identify officer and suspect killed in shooting
FORT MYERS: Fort Myers Police are mourning the loss of an officer who was shot and killed by a suspect at Main & Hendry streets in downtown Fort Myers early Friday morning.
Major Doug Baker says the officer, 30-year-old Andrew Widman, responded to a domestic dispute between a man and his girlfriend in front of the pizza shop on Hendry Street at 2:03 a.m.
When Widman stepped in to break up the fight, police say Abel Arango pulled out a gun and shot Widman at point blank range in the face.
Widman died at the scene.
Baker said it happened so fast Widman didn’t have enough time to pull his weapon.
Police say Arango fled the scene, followed by other officers.
Arango fired at officers, requiring them to take cover. They shot and killed Arango.
The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation into the shooting.
The officers have been identified as Alain Gagnon, Wolfgang Daniel, Mike Perry and BJ Ades.
During a press conference, Major Baker said Arango had said he was going to go out "Miami style" and take an officer with him.
DONATIONS
Donations can be made to the Andrew Widman Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank. They can also be made to the Andrew Widman Family Fund at any Preferred Community Bank branches.
THE FALLEN OFFICER
Andrew Widman started with the Fort Myers Police in April 2007.
Baker said Widman has a wife, three children, and was "well-liked... dedicated... hard worker."
Local family members have been told of his death, but the department is still working to contact family members out of the area.
Baker said taking care of the family is the department's number-one priority.
"It's very difficult," Baker said, when asked about how other officers were dealing with the news. "This is very tragic and difficult to get by."
The last time a Fort Myers officer died in the line of duty was in 2003, when Officer Daniel Starks was killed in a traffic accident.
THE SUSPECT
The man who police say shot and killed officer Andrew Widman early Friday morning was identified as Abel Arango, a man with a history of arrests.
He was arrested back in 1998 for burglary, robbery with a deadly weapon, and grand theft. He spent 5 years at a correctional facility in Dade County and was released in 2004.
After that, the Florida Department of Corrections lost track of him and he was labeled an absconder/fugitive.
In mid-May, Lee County deputies arrested Arango for allegedly selling cocaine. He was released the next day.
Days later, Collier County issued a warrant for his arrest for a probation violation, on May 29th.
STATEMENTS FROM OFFICIALS:
Florida Governor Charlie Crist:
"Today I share the sorrow of Florida’s law enforcement family as we mourn the loss of Officer Andrew Widman who was tragically killed in the line of duty this morning. I join the Ft. Myers community and all Floridians in expressing my deepest sympathy and prayers for Officer Widman’s wife and three children.
"Officer Widman will be remembered as a hero who cared deeply about keeping his community safe. His life will long symbolize the outstanding work Florida’s law enforcement officers perform every day and I thank every officer for protecting and keeping Floridian's safe. "
Attorney General Bill McCollum:
"I'm deeply saddened by the shooting death of Fort Myers Police Officer Andrew Widman, who lost his life while protecting other citizens. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and young children, family, friends and colleagues.
"This is a difficult time for Florida's law enforcement community, as Officer Widman's death comes just weeks after the line-of-duty slaying of Tomoka Corrections Officer Donna Fitzgerald. Like Officer Fitzgerald, Officer Widman will always be remembered for his dedication to the safety of his community. I offer my prayers and support to the victims' families, friends and colleagues during this challenging time."
Cape Coral Mayor Eric Feichthaler:
Today is a very sad day throughout our area. Fort Myers Police Officer, Andrew Widman, was senselessly taken away from us last night, as he worked to keep our community safe. Although he served the City of Fort Myers, he was also a Cape Coral resident. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family, friends, and brothers and sisters at the Fort Myers Police Department through this very difficult time.
The City of Cape Coral will be flying our flag at half-staff today to mourn the loss of one of our own.
