FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down a man accused of gunning down a father of six during broad daylight in Harlem Heights earlier this month.
Members of the US Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force are actively searching for 24-year-old Timothy Dortch, Jr. in relation to the May 11th murder of Tyrone "Jason" Morse, who was killed during a shooting at the 4700 block of Duera Mae Drive, in the Harlem Heights community.
Multiple witnesses saw Dortch leave the area right after the shooting, and for the last 19 days, he has managed to evade arrest. Thursday night, Dortch was spotted in the Orlando area, driving a stolen brown four door Nissan Altima.
US Marshals are continuing their investigation both locally, and in Central Florida, and ask that anyone who has been in contact with Dortch to share that information with Crime Stoppers.
“Mr. Dortch can run, but he cannot hide forever,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “We know that the residents of the Harlem Heights community, as well as Mr. Morse’s family and friends, want justice to be served. Any small piece of information that can help investigators track Dortch down, regardless of where he may be, is of paramount importance.”
Dortch has been arrested previously as an adult for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. During his teenage years, he was charged with attempted second degree murder in 2009, as well as grand theft auto in 2008. Upon his arrest, Dortch will be charged with second degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle and two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dortch is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.
