Press Releases

Manhunt: Dominique Williams
May 30, 2009

A man convicted of a long list of violent crimes is now on the run from police – wanted for robbery and false imprisonment, yet being shielded from arrest by friends and family.

“Dominique Williams is what’s wrong with society today. He is the blight of an inner city community - he is the epitome of what the problem is in inner cities today," said Detective Paul O'Leary of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

He’s one of Southwest Florida’s most wanted criminals, armed and dangerous, and likely to strike again. For weeks now, he’s evaded deputies – staying just one step ahead and being protected by those around him.

 “He seems willing to brutalize a 5’1” female, but he doesn’t seem to want to stand up to us. When he sees us, he runs," O'Leary said.

Among the list of charges Williams is wanted for is robbery. It’s the latest in a string of 39 arrests spanning his 32 years.

Williams is accused of setting up the 19 year old mother of his baby – telling her that he wanted to see her so that he could give her money to buy baby formula. But when she walked out into her driveway, Williams attacked the woman, yanking off her jewelry, dragging her down the street – leaving her beaten and bruised. What detectives can’t figure out is why people would protect someone like that.

“As he continues to get away with it, as he continues to be emboldened by the people who are protecting him, then he becomes more dangerous," O'Leary said.

This isn’t Williams’ first act of violence. Since 1993, he’s been jailed for multiple batteries, robberies, shootings, a carjacking and numerous drug charges. And nearly every time he breaks the law, he runs – literally – from officers – jumping fences, crashing cars – doing whatever it takes to get away.

Detectives believe a group of folks in the Harlem Heights area are hiding Williams – but they need just one person to come forward and be brave enough to say where he’s at.

“Unfortunately, the sick joke is on the people who are protecting him – is that it’s just a matter of time before he turns on them and they become victims, too," O'Leary said.

Williams is 6’2” – and has a tattoo of the words “No limit” on his back. But detectives say the meaning of that tattoo should be no indication that there’s no limit to the number of crimes Williams can commit.

“That may be the case, but we’re certainly going to be put limits on him. It’s only a matter of time – he can’t run forever," O'Leary said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dominique Williams is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.