A Florida homeowner fatally shot a masked intruder and scared off another during a home invasion this week, prompting a stern warning from local law enforcement. “If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot,” Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said during a press conference, according to Fox News.
The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. Thursday in Manatee County. The homeowner, using a video surveillance system, saw two masked men attempting to break into the back of his house. Acting quickly, he armed himself and instructed his wife to move to a secure location, authorities said.
The homeowner fired several shots, striking 23-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo multiple times. Flores-Toledo, who was from Mexico, was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition and later died Friday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The second suspect, identified as 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella, fled the scene but was later apprehended by deputies with the help of K-9 units. Soto-Mella, an illegal immigrant from Chile, faces charges of armed burglary, with additional charges pending, authorities said.
Intruder’s Criminal History
Detectives revealed that Flores-Toledo had an extensive criminal record. He was previously arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023 for residential burglary and served four months in jail before being released on parole. Authorities noted he had an active warrant for violating parole and was considered “armed and dangerous.”
Soto-Mella, who overstayed his 90-day visa in September, reportedly used a translator during a court hearing to claim he did not have any firearms. Sheriff Wells said the suspect has been “somewhat cooperative” but has not disclosed all the details investigators are seeking.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement is investigating why Flores-Toledo and Soto-Mella targeted the home, and they suspect additional individuals may have been involved.
“We’re trying to get everything that we can from the [surviving] suspect,” Wells said.
The sheriff’s office has not released the homeowner’s identity and indicated that he is not currently facing charges.
