A homeowner in Manatee County, Florida, exercised his right to self-defense during a recent home invasion, leaving one suspect dead and another facing charges.
At a Glance
- Homeowner fatally shot one intruder during a home invasion.
- Suspect Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a criminal with prior offenses, was killed.
- Another suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, was arrested and faces charges.
- Sheriff Rick Wells publicly supported the homeowner’s actions.
Incident Overview
In an attempted home break-in, two masked men targeted a home in Manatee County, Florida. Seen on a video surveillance system, the homeowner armed himself and responded to the threat. He fatally shot Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, who later succumbed to injuries at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The second suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, was identified as a 39-year-old Chilean national. Law enforcement captured him using K-9 units, noting that he had overstayed his 90-day visa.
Flores-Toledo had a history of residential burglaries and had a warrant for his arrest due to a parole violation. The incident is under investigation, with authorities suspecting other individuals may have played a role. The homeowner’s identity remains private, and no charges have been announced against him.
Manatee County, Florida Sheriff Rick Wells on home invasion:
“I praise this husband for doing what he needed to do to protect his home and protect his family. If you’re gonna be that brazen to come into my home… you should expect that you’re gonna be shot.”
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/HoxFIMtF9F
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 27, 2024
Legal and Community Reactions
Sheriff Rick Wells commended the homeowner, emphasizing the importance of self-defense. “This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot,” Wells affirmed. The incident has sparked positive community feedback, with locals rallying in support of the homeowner. Residents and business owners have voiced the importance of preserving the right to protect one’s home and family.
Law enforcement continues to search for additional suspects, with the sheriff’s office welcoming any information from the public. Soto-Mella, pending felony murder charges, could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Ongoing Investigation
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office maintains vigilance as they gather information from the surviving suspect. According to Wells, Soto-Mella is providing limited cooperation. Law enforcement seeks further details to identify more suspects involved in this brazen attempt.
“We’re trying to get everything that we can from the [surviving] suspect. He’s being somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything,” said Sheriff Wells.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge residents with information to report to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. The authorities’ firm stance on self-defense reflects a broader sentiment affirming an individual’s right to protect their loved ones and property.
