Sheriff and Community Support Florida Homeowner in Deadly Shooting Incident

A homeowner in Florida, who shot at two intruders and fatally wounded one during a reported home invasion shortly after Christmas, is receiving backing from local law enforcement and the community for his efforts to safeguard his family.

Sheriff Rick Wells of Manatee County stated in a press conference that the homeowner, who noticed two masked individuals on his surveillance footage ready to invade his home on December 27, “grabbed his firearm” and instructed 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,” Wells remarked.

The homeowner discharged several shots, hitting one of the intruders while the other fled. The injured intruder was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

According to a press release from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the deceased intruder was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a Mexican national, who was also known by the name Anibal Miller-Valencia.

“Detectives are currently looking into his background and are trying to figure out why he and his accomplice, Michel Soto-Mella, targeted a residence in River Club that night,” MCSO stated on December 28.

“Anibal Miller-Valencia was apprehended in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023 and spent four months in jail for residential burglary before being released on parole in November. He had an active warrant for parole violation and was deemed armed and dangerous.”

Soto-Mella, identified as a 39-year-old from Chile, has been charged with armed burglary, and additional charges are pending.

Authorities noted that they located Soto-Mella using K-9 units a few blocks from the incident.

“I commend this husband for doing what was necessary to protect his home and family. If you’re going to be so audacious as to break into someone’s home, you should anticipate that you might be shot,” Wells stated.

Wells added that, in cooperation with the U.S. Border Patrol, they believe Soto-Mella arrived in California from Chile with a 90-day visa that expired in September.

“This husband and wife were simply enjoying their evening when they heard a disturbance, saw masked suspects attempting to break in, and were able to pry open a window to gain entry. The homeowner then defended himself and his wife,” Wells explained.

The MCSO stated they suspect more individuals may have been involved in the home invasion and are urging anyone with information to step forward.

Manatee County residents expressed to The Epoch Times that they believe the homeowner acted justifiably.

“I believe any homeowner is justified in taking action when someone enters through a window or door uninvited—you have the right to do whatever is necessary to keep them out,” stated William F. Luff, a resident of Bradenton for nearly 31 years. Luff mentioned that he recently installed security cameras after approximately $600 worth of tools were stolen from his shed.

Kirk Walker, owner of Captain Kirk’s Midway Barber and a resident of Bradenton for 30 years, echoed Luff and the sheriff’s sentiments.

“I concur with the sheriff that if someone enters another’s house through a window—I have children—I will do whatever is necessary to protect my family,” Walker emphasized. “You have the right to defend yourself and your loved ones.”

Walker asserted that it is irrelevant whether the intruder is a migrant or not; if someone attempts to enter another’s home, “they are putting their life in jeopardy.”