Fund opened to help families in club shooting

As the pursuit ended soon after, two suspects fled the vehicle, which authorities say then accelerated toward a deputy.

Derrick Church, 19; Tajze Battle, 22; and Demetrius O’Neal, 19 (l.to r.) face charges in connection with a auto chase shortly after the Club Blu shooting. The men appeared in court on Tuesday morning. Battle’s bond was set at $3,500 and O’Neal’s at $5,000.

A deputy who rushed to help track down the men caught up with them and slammed his cruiser into the side of the sedan in what police call a “precision immobilization technique”, halting the auto. All three were charged with resisting an officer.

With the Orlando massacre at the Pulse nightclub still fresh on her mind, White had advised her 18-year-old son, Stef’an Strawder, on what to do if there was a shooting: “Hit the floor, find a table”.

Two teens were killed and more than a dozen injured when someone opened fire outside the club at about 12:30 a.m. Monday as a youth swimsuit-themed party was letting out.

Beer posters still hung in its windows Monday, but Club Blu’s alcohol license was revoked on June 7th of this year.

Three of those injured still remain in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon, Lee Memorial health officials said. Two of the victims are in critical condition and the third is in fair condition.

The shooting took in the parking lot of Club Blu, which was hosting an event open to teenagers, the Fort Myers Police Department said.

The “TOGETHER Fort Myers” fund will collect donations to be given to victims and families affected by the shooting, Fort Myers Mayor Randall P. Henderson Jr., said.

The United Way also is offering counseling services.

Sarah Owen of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation said the community was seeking donations and assistance much like it did after Hurricane Charley struck the area in 2004.

Gov. Rick Scott promised the state would do everything it could to help the victims and hold those responsible accountable.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 239-321-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.