A homeowner in the Lake Fairways community of North Fort Myers reports experiencing a terrifying home invasion and has reached out to WINK News to share their story.
Todd and Christine Tollefson said it was just an ordinary day when the incident occurred. Todd was out running errands, and Christine was taking a nap on the couch.
Christine said the suspects entered their home through the lanai, cutting the bungee cord that was holding the door shut. They then knocked on the door, and when Christine opened it, the nightmare began.
“I just know in the moment, I thought, I can’t believe I’m gonna die like this,” said Christine Tollefson.
A knock on the door quickly turned into a home invasion.
Christine described the harrowing moments as she fought back. “Before the door even got closed, I was screaming, and I was screaming loud, and I mean, I thought for sure somebody would hear me, but, yeah, they covered my mouth up,” said Christine.
After putting up a fight, Christine said she was tased, punched in the face, and zip-tied.
“When he had me down, and they were putting the stuff on me, I was like, Please don’t hurt me. I have people to take care of,” said Christine.
Her husband, Todd, arrived home to find that something was wrong when his brother came running outside.
“The first thing he tells me is, you’ve got to get me a new phone. They stole my phone when they broke in, and they punched Christine in the nose. And I was like, what? So I go running into the house. She’s not, she’s not in there,” said Todd Tollefson.
Christine said the suspects made off with her husband’s safe.
The scene left behind included a crooked painting, marks on Christine’s wrists from the zip ties, and blood stains on the furniture.
“That’s the thing. It is a simple life. We’re out here. Everybody, you know, he said you wouldn’t expect that in a community like this, but that’s why it doesn’t make sense,” said Todd.
“And these guys laid hands on my baby. That’s why I said you want vengeance right away. It’s the first thing, you just want to hurt the person,” said Todd.
The Tollefsons said they are just thankful to be alive.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that violent crimes detectives were at the home the day after the incident. They are currently working on the request for more details.