Fort Myers, Florida – Shadarien Lamarr Ward, a 22-year-old resident of Fort Myers, has pleaded guilty to charges related to an armed robbery at a local pizza shop. The United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Ward admitted guilt to interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He could face up to life in federal prison, though the date for his sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

Court documents reveal that on September 1, 2024, Ward committed the robbery at gunpoint near downtown Fort Myers. During the incident, he pistol-whipped an employee before stealing the cash register drawer containing approximately $700 and fleeing on foot. Despite wearing a hood and mask during the robbery, law enforcement identified Ward after reviewing surveillance footage from the area that traced him back to a nearby motel.

At the time of the robbery, Ward was under state sex offender probation and was wearing a GPS monitor. This device helped authorities track his movements leading up to and following the crime. After cutting off his GPS monitor and absconding from supervision post-robbery, Ward was eventually found and arrested at a motel in North Fort Myers.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Fort Myers Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN's strategy focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence proactively, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes effectively.