📍 LEHIGH ACRES, FL — Man Charged with Kidnapping During Fake PS5 Sale
A PlayStation 5 sale turned into a violent ransom scheme when Nicolas Flores, of Lehigh Acres, allegedly choked a friend unconscious, zip-tied him, and made multiple bank transfers while holding him captive, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred Monday inside a residence on Candlelight Drive, where the victim believed he was meeting Flores to purchase a PS5. Instead, deputies say Flores pulled a weapon, choked the man unconscious, and bound him with zip ties and duct tape.
“This wasn’t a random Facebook Marketplace meetup… These two people knew each other,” said Julie Sin, public information officer with LCSO.
While held hostage for several hours, the victim reportedly watched Flores transfer funds from his own bank account to Flores’ before managing to escape early Tuesday morning as Flores slept.
Flores was arrested later that day and remains in the Lee County Jail. The victim is recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive.
📌 Key Points:
Suspect: Nicolas Flores
Charges: Kidnapping, robbery, bank fraud
Location: Candlelight Drive, Lehigh Acres, FL
Victim: Known to suspect; recovering in hospital
Motive: Staged PS5 sale turned ransom
