Lee County Woman to Receive $626,770 Payout in 2012 Wellness Check Shooting

Florida legislature approves additional compensation for Patricia Ermini, who was shot by deputies during a wellness check at her home.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Florida House Judiciary Committee has approved a $750,000 payout for Patricia Ermini, a 71-year-old Lee County woman who was shot multiple times by sheriff's deputies during a 2012 wellness check at her home. Due to a state law capping payouts to local governments at $200,000, the legislature had to approve the additional $550,000 above that limit.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force by law enforcement during wellness checks and other non-violent encounters. It also raises questions about policies around responding to such calls and the need for de-escalation training to avoid unnecessary violence, especially against elderly or vulnerable individuals.

The details

In 2012, Ermini's out-of-state daughter asked the Lee County Sheriff's Office to check on her mother, who she couldn't reach. Deputies arrived, entered Ermini's unlocked home, and found her asleep in her bedroom. When they woke her up, Ermini yelled that she had a gun, and the deputies immediately opened fire, shooting her several times. Ermini survived but suffered injuries to her arm, thigh, and a graze wound to her head.

  • In 2012, the incident occurred when deputies conducted a wellness check on Patricia Ermini.
  • In 2026, the Florida House Judiciary Committee approved a $750,000 payout for Ermini.

The players

Patricia Ermini

A 71-year-old Lee County woman who was shot multiple times by sheriff's deputies during a 2012 wellness check at her home.

Dianne Hart-Lowman

A Florida state representative who laid out the details of the 2012 incident involving Ermini.

Colleen MacAlister

Ermini's attorney, who argued that the real problem was the deputies' choice to shoot before even identifying themselves.

Webster Barnaby

A Florida state representative who pushed back on how people discussed the deputies' use of an AR-15 rifle, insisting it's just a rifle, not an automatic weapon.

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What they’re saying

“This happened in the blink of an eye.”

— Colleen MacAlister, Ermini's attorney (englewoodreview.com)

“The real problem wasn't the gun, it was the deputies' choice to shoot before even identifying themselves.”

— Colleen MacAlister, Ermini's attorney (englewoodreview.com)

What’s next

The Florida legislature will need to approve the additional $550,000 payout to Patricia Ermini above the $200,000 cap on local government payouts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for law enforcement to exercise greater restraint and de-escalation tactics, especially when responding to non-violent calls involving vulnerable individuals. It also underscores the importance of policies and training to prevent unnecessary use of force during wellness checks and similar encounters.