A Florida sheriff warned that intruders should be prepared to be shot after a homeowner shot at two masked men trying to break into his house, killing one of them.
The deceased suspect was identified as 23-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo from Mexico, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The second suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, 39, an illegal immigrant from Chile, is facing charges of armed burglary, with more charges expected, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Thursday evening, the homeowner in Manatee County saw the two men entering the back of his house on his video surveillance system, according to authorities.
Michel Soto-Mella is charged with armed burglary, with additional charges pending, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
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“He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stall,” MCSO Sheriff Rick Wells said during a press conference Friday. “He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to get into a safe spot.”
The homeowner fired multiple rounds, hitting Flores-Toledo “several times,” while Soto-Mella fled the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
“I sat down next to the lanai, the door was open,” John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member in the neighborhood, told Fox 13. “I vividly heard three gunshots.”
Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, also known as Anibal Miller-Valencia, 23, from Mexico, was killed in the shooting.
Authorities reported that Flores-Toledo was initially in critical condition before being taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died Friday morning.
“This is Florida,” Wells emphasized. “If you attempt to break into someone’s home, you should be prepared to face consequences.”
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Deputies apprehended Soto-Mella, an illegal immigrant whose visa had expired, a few blocks away using K9 units, according to the sheriff’s office. The situation was under control with no threat to the community.
Detectives are currently investigating Flores-Toledo’s background and motives for targeting the home, the sheriff’s office stated Friday afternoon.
A Manatee County man opened fire on two potential home invaders Thursday night.
“We’re trying to gather all the information available from the [surviving] suspect,” Wells said. “He’s somewhat cooperative, but not fully forthcoming.”
At a court appearance, Soto-Mella reportedly denied having any guns with the help of a translator.
Manatee County homicide detectives suspect that other individuals may have been involved in the crime.
Flores-Toledo, also known as Anibal Miller-Valencia, had a criminal history, having served time for residential burglary before being released on parole in November, according to authorities. He had an active warrant for a parole violation and was considered “armed and dangerous.”
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The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News about potential charges against the homeowner, whose identity remains undisclosed as of Friday night.
Fox 13 Tampa Bay‘s Chuck Merlis and Ryan Burkett contributed to this story.
