Florida Sheriff Warns Armed Intruders Should ‘Expect to be Shot’ Following Case of Homeowner Self-Defense
A Florida homeowner fatally shot one of two armed burglars attempting to break into his house, prompting a sheriff in the state to warn criminals that they should “expect to be shot” if caught breaking into someone’s home.
The incident occurred over a week ago in Manatee County. Around 9 pm, the homeowner spotted two men entering the back of his house via video surveillance. He quickly acted, retrieving his firearm and instructing his wife to move to a safe location.
“He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stall,” explained Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells in a press conference. “He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to get into a safe spot.”
The homeowner fired multiple rounds, striking 23-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo of Mexico several times. According to a report by Fox News, Flores-Toledo was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition, where he later died. The second suspect, 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella, an illegal immigrant from Chile, fled the scene but was later apprehended.
Soto-Mella was charged with armed burglary, with additional charges pending. Authorities tracked him down several blocks away using K-9 units. According to the sheriff’s office, Soto-Mella was in the country illegally on an expired visa.
Sheriff Wells commended the homeowner for his decisive actions. He also issued a stern warning to criminals who may try to follow suit.
“This is the state of Florida,” Wells said. “If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot.”
Authorities are investigating why the two men targeted the home. “We’re trying to get everything that we can from the [surviving] suspect,” Wells said. “He’s being somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.”
