Naked Man Gym Fire Attempt
A Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he was found naked and hiding inside a tanning bed following a chaotic and dangerous incident at a Planet Fitness gym in Fort Myers. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the man had allegedly attempted to set the gym on fire, crawled into the ceiling, and terrorized gym-goers on a busy Saturday night. The man, identified as 33-year-old Brandon Michael Fuller, was arrested on the scene after an intense search by deputies, who were initially responding to reports of a naked man running amok inside the building.
Body camera footage released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office captures the bizarre and disturbing series of events. Deputies were called to the Planet Fitness location around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, after receiving multiple emergency calls from frightened members and staff. Upon arrival, officers were met by frantic gym employees who reported that a man had stripped off his clothing, entered the gym, and started acting erratically—running through the facility, damaging property, and disappearing into the ceiling. One of the most alarming details from eyewitness accounts was the suspect allegedly trying to start a fire in the gym’s bathroom, prompting immediate concern for the safety of everyone in the building.
Inside the facility, deputies discovered a scene of significant damage. The bathroom area had ceiling tiles pulled down and strewn across the floor. There were signs of fire damage near the restroom, and the smell of smoke still lingered in the air. Although no active flames were visible by the time authorities arrived, the fire department was called in to inspect the area and ensure there were no lingering hazards or hot spots. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the damage appeared to be contained before any major fire could develop.
The search for the suspect quickly expanded throughout the gym, including locker rooms and less-trafficked areas of the building. In a surprising and almost surreal twist, deputies eventually located Fuller completely naked and lying inside a closed tanning bed in a quiet section of the gym. In the footage, one deputy opens the lid and exclaims, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” as Fuller lays inside the machine, seemingly calm but clearly disoriented. Officers removed him from the tanning bed and took him into custody without further incident.
Brandon Fuller was booked into the Lee County Jail and now faces a list of charges, including attempted arson, burglary, criminal mischief, and indecent exposure. Sheriff Carmine Marceno addressed the incident in a press briefing on Monday, calling the behavior “reckless, dangerous, and deeply disturbing.” Marceno praised his deputies for their quick and professional response, which he said likely prevented a much more serious outcome. “This man not only caused fear and confusion inside a public space but also endangered lives by allegedly attempting to set a fire in an occupied building,” the sheriff said.
The motive behind Fuller’s actions remains unclear. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he was under the influence of drugs or suffering from a mental health crisis, though toxicology results are pending. Several witnesses told reporters that Fuller appeared to be “out of his mind,” describing him as sweating profusely, mumbling incoherently, and behaving in an almost animalistic way. “One second he was in the lobby screaming, the next he was crawling through the ceiling tiles. It didn’t seem real,” said one gym-goer who requested anonymity.
Planet Fitness has since issued a public statement addressing the incident. “We are extremely grateful to law enforcement for their fast and effective response,” the company said. “While this was an isolated incident, the safety and well-being of our members and staff remain our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and reviewing our safety protocols.” The gym was closed temporarily on Sunday to allow for repairs and a full inspection of the damaged areas. It has since reopened to members.
The incident has sparked widespread attention, both locally and nationally, as social media users shared the body cam footage and expressed disbelief at the surreal nature of the event. While some reacted with humor, others voiced concern about the growing frequency of public outbursts and the strain on law enforcement and emergency responders. Sheriff Marceno used the opportunity to underscore the importance of public safety and the challenges law enforcement face in situations that are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Brandon Fuller remains in custody as of Tuesday, and his bond hearing is expected later this week. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, especially due to the nature of the arson charge. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone who witnessed Fuller’s actions or has additional information to come forward. For now, residents of Lee County are left grappling with the aftermath of a bizarre and unsettling night that could have ended in tragedy if not for the swift action of first responders.
