Bank security footage shows SWAT sniper shoots bank robber through computer monitor.

Bank security footage shows SWAT sniper shoots bank robber through computer monitor.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Lee County Sheriff's deputies responded to calls of a bank robbery and hostage situation at a Fort Myers Bank of America. The suspect in the robbery, later identified as 36-year-old Sterling Alavache, was armed with a knife and claimed to have a bomb. While the department attempted to negotiate, Alavache put the knife to the throat of one of two hostages, and a SWAT sniper fired a shot through a computer monitor, striking Alavache in the center of the forehead and killing him instantly. Alavache fell to the ground while the hostages ran away. After the suspect was shot, flash bangs were used as distraction devices as the Special Operations Unit moved in to remove the hostages and confirm that the suspect was no longer a threat.