A Florida homeowner’s quick action led to the death of one intruder and the arrest of another, highlighting the state’s robust Castle Doctrine laws.
At a Glance
- Florida homeowner fatally shot one intruder and scared off another during an alleged home invasion
- The incident occurred in Manatee County, Florida, under the state’s Castle Doctrine
- The deceased intruder was a Mexican national with a criminal record
- The second intruder, a Chilean national with an expired visa, faces multiple charges
- Local sheriff praised the homeowner’s actions in protecting his family
Homeowner’s Swift Response to Intruders
In a recent incident in Manatee County, Florida, a homeowner’s quick thinking and decisive action led to the fatal shooting of one intruder and the arrest of another. The event, which took place in the 6700 block of Hickory Hammock Circle, Bradenton, has brought renewed attention to Florida’s Castle Doctrine and the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration.
The homeowner, alerted by his home surveillance system, confronted two masked individuals attempting to break into his residence. In response to the threat, he fired multiple shots, killing one intruder and causing the other to flee. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells commended the homeowner’s actions, stating, “He knew something bad was about to happen, and he didn’t stall. He grabbed his firearm, told his wife to get into a safe spot.”
“This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot,” Sheriff Rick Wells said.
Intruders Identified as Foreign Nationals
The deceased intruder was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, also known as Anibal Miller-Valencia, a Mexican national with an existing criminal record and a parole violation warrant. Flores-Toledo was critically wounded during the incident and later died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
The second intruder, Michel Soto-Mella, a Chilean national, attempted to enter through a window but fled when shots were fired. He was later apprehended by law enforcement near the scene. Investigations revealed that Soto-Mella had overstayed a 90-day visa that expired in September, highlighting ongoing issues with visa overstays and illegal immigration.
Soto-Mella now faces charges of armed burglary and may be charged with felony murder related to Flores-Toledo’s death. The incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of immigration policies and the rights of homeowners to protect their property.
“We’re trying to get everything that we can from the suspect,” Wells explained. “He’s being somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.”
Detectives are continuing to investigate the motives behind the break-in attempt. The homeowner’s identity has not been released, and it remains unclear if he will face any charges. However, given Florida’s strong Castle Doctrine laws, which permit homeowners to use deadly force in self-defense, it is likely that his actions will be deemed justified.
