Fort Myers, FL – A Fort Myers man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for robbing a pizza shop at gunpoint, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Barber delivered the sentence to 22-year-old Shadarien Lamarr Ward, who was charged with interfering with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The robbery occurred on the evening of September 1, 2024, near downtown Fort Myers. Court documents reveal that Ward entered the pizza shop armed, pistol-whipped an employee, and fled with the cash register drawer and approximately $700 in cash. Ward, although hooded and masked during the incident, was later identified by law enforcement. A detailed analysis of surveillance footage in the vicinity led authorities to a nearby motel where Ward had taken refuge.
Significantly, Ward was under state supervision as a registered sex offender at the time of the robbery and was wearing a GPS monitor. However, he severed the GPS device and absconded from his supervised release post-robbery. He was eventually located and apprehended at a motel in North Fort Myers.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Fort Myers Police Department. Prosecuting the case was Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a nationwide program that coordinates efforts among law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence, thus enhancing public safety. The Department of Justice launched a renewed strategy for this initiative on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based violence prevention organizations, and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
The public is encouraged to assist in making neighborhoods safer by reporting crimes or suspected criminal activity to local law enforcement agencies or the U.S. Attorney's Office.
