A late-night fishing run in Islamorada turned into a criminal case early Saturday after deputies say a marina security guard pulled a handgun on three anglers, grabbed one of their rods and tried to stop them from leaving. The 49-year-old guard was arrested on the 81000 block of the Overseas Highway. Deputies noted there were no shots fired and no injuries reported.
Monroe County deputies identified the suspect as 49-year-old Sylvain Nicanor of Homestead and said video from a vessel at the marina backed up the fishermen’s story, according to Tampa Free Press. The outlet reports Nicanor is facing charges of aggravated assault, robbery, battery and false imprisonment.
How deputies say the confrontation unfolded
Deputies say they were dispatched to the 81000 block of the Overseas Highway around 1:10 a.m. after three men reported being confronted while fishing from a dock, as first reported and later republished by AOL. Investigators allege Nicanor pointed a 9mm handgun at one of the men, grabbed a fishing rod during the exchange and then tried to block all three from driving away.
Charges and booking
After reviewing the video evidence, deputies say they recovered the 9mm handgun described in the complaint and took Nicanor into custody. He was booked into the Monroe County jail, Tampa Free Press reports. Authorities reiterated that no one was hurt and that the investigation is still active.
What happens next
Nicanor faces multiple felony counts and will move through the 16th Judicial Circuit, though jail records did not immediately list information on bond or arraignment. The Monroe County Detention Center houses detainees for the county and lists its Stock Island site as the main booking facility, where deputies typically process arrests from the Upper Keys. Monroe County Detention Center
Local reaction and investigation
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office released a booking photo that accompanied local coverage and continues to examine what led up to the confrontation. Deputies have asked anyone with additional video or information to contact investigators. Reporting republished by AOL notes that the scene was quickly contained and that the case remains under review.
