A homeowner in Manatee County, Florida, opened fire on two masked men trying to break into his house, killing one of them. The deceased suspect was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo from Mexico, and the second suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, was an illegal immigrant from Chile. The homeowner saw the men entering his house on surveillance cameras and took quick action by grabbing his firearm and shooting at them. Flores-Toledo was hit multiple times and later died in a hospital, while Soto-Mella fled the scene but was later arrested by deputies using K9 units. The sheriff stated that in Florida, intruders should expect to be shot if they try to break into someone’s home.
Authorities are currently investigating the backgrounds of the suspects to understand why they targeted the homeowner’s residence. Flores-Toledo had a criminal history, having been arrested in Illinois in 2023 for residential burglary and serving time in jail before being released on parole. He was considered armed and dangerous. Soto-Mella, who was in the country illegally after his visa expired, suggested in court that he did not have any guns. The sheriff’s office is looking into the possibility of other individuals being involved in the crime, and they are gathering information from Soto-Mella who is being somewhat cooperative but not revealing everything.
The homeowner, whose identity has not been released, may potentially face charges for shooting the intruders. However, the sheriff’s office has not provided any updates on this matter. The community was not at risk during the incident, as the scene was secured, and all individuals involved were accounted for. The sheriff emphasized the right for homeowners to defend their property in Florida, and that intruders should be prepared to face the consequences, including being shot if they attempt to break into someone’s house. The incident highlights the importance of legal gun ownership for self-defense and protection in life-threatening situations.
Neighbors in the area were shaken by the incident, with one witness reporting hearing three gunshots and noting the intense situation that unfolded in the neighborhood. The quick response of the homeowner to the break-in prevented any harm to himself and his wife, as he acted swiftly to defend his home. The sheriff commended the homeowner for his actions and stressed the importance of being prepared to protect oneself and one’s property against potential threats. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives seeking more information from the surviving suspect to piece together the events leading up to the break-in and the subsequent shooting. As the case continues to unfold, more details about the motives of the intruders and the actions of the homeowner may come to light.
