FORT MYERS, Fla. — A man with a disturbing history of violence is actively being sought by authorities after reportedly breaching the terms of his probation. The individual in question, identified as Brian Regalado, 34, is accused of a violent altercation involving a woman in Fort Myers, according to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.
Regalado’s criminal actions include grabbing the victim by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and choking her. He further restrained her by pinning her down with his knees and covering her mouth, reports say. The woman managed to escape but not without sustaining significant bruising and injuries across her face, neck, hands, and arms.
Previously, Regalado was convicted of false imprisonment and battery by strangulation, which led to a nearly year-long jail term, followed by probation. However, the violation of his probation terms has led authorities on a manhunt as he moves between Fort Myers and Naples. His criminal record is extensive, with nine arrests in Lee and Collier counties on various violent charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer.
Regalado is described by law enforcement as being 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. The community is urged to come forward with any information regarding his whereabouts to help ensure community safety.
Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings or information anonymously to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers by calling 800-780-TIPS (8477), using the P3 app, or through their website. Informants may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 if their tip leads to an arrest.
In addition to Regalado’s case, authorities are seeking information on several other individuals with histories of violent crimes now accused of violation-related offenses. This ongoing initiative aims to locate and apprehend individuals posing serious threats to public safety. The participation of community members is crucial in these efforts and contributes significantly to the resolution of these cases.
The search for fugitives underscores the broader challenge of addressing repeat offenders in the community and ensuring that probation terms are sufficiently stringent and enforced. Public safety is a top priority, and effective probation management is critical in mitigating the risks posed by individuals with a history of violent crimes. The community’s active involvement in reporting sightings and sharing information can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the neighborhood and aiding law enforcement efforts.