Rolbert Joachin Arrested in Hammer Killing of Fort Myers Chevron Clerk on MLK Blvd; Woman Fatally Attacked Outside Gas Station

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a brutal homicide at a Fort Myers gas station, where a clerk was fatally attacked with a hammer in broad daylight, authorities said.

Fort Myers Police confirmed that 40-year-old Rolbert Joachin is in custody following the deadly incident at a Chevron gas station located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

Officers located Joachin on Mango Street near Raleigh Street after launching a manhunt. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lee County Jail, where he faces charges of homicide and criminal mischief/property damage.

Deadly Attack Caught on Video

According to investigators, the victim—identified by coworkers as a gas station clerk—was attacked outside the store. Surveillance video reviewed by authorities shows a man smashing the windshield of a sport utility vehicle with a hammer before turning his attention to the victim.

Employees told local media the damaged vehicle belonged to the clerk. The footage then shows the woman stepping outside moments later, when the suspect approaches and strikes her multiple times in the head with the hammer.

The victim died from her injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly released her name, but coworkers said she leaves behind two teenage daughters.

Community Shocked by Violence

The violent attack has shaken the Fort Myers community, especially those familiar with the gas station and its staff.

“It’s kind of strange. You come to the store often, and you get to know the people that actually work,” said Andre Harris, a regular customer.

Nearby residents also expressed concern about the randomness of the violence.

“It’s crazy that they did all that in broad daylight,” said Dedrick Grey, who lives in the area.

Manhunt and Arrest

Police had earlier warned that the suspect was armed and dangerous as they searched the area. Authorities ultimately tracked Joachin down near Dunbar Park, bringing relief to nearby residents.

“It’s scary being so close to my grandpa’s house,” said Gary Winthrope, who lives near where the suspect was found. “He could have done that to anyone.”

Schools Placed on Lockdown

During the search, the Lee County School District placed three nearby schools on lockdown as a precaution. Those schools—Success Academy, the Young Parent Education Program, and James Stephens Elementary—have since resumed normal operations.

Investigation Ongoing

The Fort Myers Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Fort Myers Police or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.