Florida Homeowner Defends Against Armed Intruders
A homeowner in Manatee County, Florida, fatally shot an armed intruder during an attempted home invasion late Monday evening, drawing a stern message from local law enforcement regarding homeowners’ rights to defend themselves. The deceased suspect, identified as 23-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo from Mexico, was reported dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital, Fox News reported.
The incident unfolded around 9:00 p.m. when the homeowner noticed two men entering his residence through surveillance footage. Taking proactive measures, he armed himself and instructed his wife to seek safety, the outlet reported. After firing multiple shots, the homeowner struck Flores-Toledo, while the second suspect, 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella from Chile, fled the scene but was later apprehended by responding deputies using K9 units. Soto-Mella has been charged with armed burglary, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
“He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stall,” MCSO Sheriff Rick Wells said of the homeowner during a press conference Friday. “He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to get into a safe spot.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the homeowner discharged several shots, striking Flores-Toledo multiple times, as Soto-Mella escaped the scene.
“I sat down next to the lanai, the door was open,” said John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member in the neighborhood. “I vividly heard three gunshots.”His remarks reflect a broader stance on the importance of self-defense and the right of homeowners to protect themselves and their families from threats.
It was revealed that Flores-Toledo had a criminal history, including a previous burglary conviction in Illinois and an active warrant for a parole violation at the time of the incident.
The incident unfolded around 9:00 p.m. when the homeowner noticed two men entering his residence through surveillance footage. Taking proactive measures, he armed himself and instructed his wife to seek safety, the outlet reported. After firing multiple shots, the homeowner struck Flores-Toledo, while the second suspect, 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella from Chile, fled the scene but was later apprehended by responding deputies using K9 units. Soto-Mella has been charged with armed burglary, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
“He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stall,” MCSO Sheriff Rick Wells said of the homeowner during a press conference Friday. “He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to get into a safe spot.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the homeowner discharged several shots, striking Flores-Toledo multiple times, as Soto-Mella escaped the scene.
“I sat down next to the lanai, the door was open,” said John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member in the neighborhood. “I vividly heard three gunshots.”His remarks reflect a broader stance on the importance of self-defense and the right of homeowners to protect themselves and their families from threats.
It was revealed that Flores-Toledo had a criminal history, including a previous burglary conviction in Illinois and an active warrant for a parole violation at the time of the incident.
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