MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) – An intruder in Florida was shot and killed when the homeowner fought back with a gun, officials said.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the home invasion happened Thursday, the day after Christmas.
Officials said two unknown men were captured on the homeowner’s video surveillance system entering through the back of the house after 9 p.m.
The homeowner fired multiple rounds at one of the intruders, and the other intruder ran away, officials said.
The first intruder was shot several times and was in critical condition when police arrived. He was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries the following morning.
The other suspect was tracked down using K-9 units and was arrested a few blocks away.
“This is the state of Florida. If you break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot,” Sheriff Rick Wells said during a press conference.
The man who was arrested was identified as 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella from Chile. He is charged with armed burglary, with additional charges pending.
The man who was killed was identified as 27-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo from Mexico.
Investigators are working to find out why the two targeted the home.
Officials said the deceased suspect was previously arrested in 2023 in Illinois and spent four months in jail for residential burglary before being released on parole in November of this year. He had an active warrant for parole violation and was considered armed and dangerous.
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