In Manatee County, a homeowner’s defense against a violent home invasion left one intruder dead.
At a Glance
- A Florida homeowner shot two masked intruders, killing Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo.
- Second suspect Michel Soto-Mella was charged with armed burglary.
- Sheriff Rick Wells supported the homeowner’s actions citing self-defense rights.
- The incident has ignited community support for the homeowner.
Home Invasion Defense
In Manatee County, Florida, a homeowner’s decision to defend his family during a harrowing home invasion has resulted in the death of one intruder and the arrest of another. The incident occurred when two masked men attempted to break into the residence, prompting the homeowner to take swift action, shooting at the intruders after spotting them on his video surveillance system.
The deceased suspect was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a Mexican national with a history of residential burglary and an active warrant for parole violation. Flores-Toledo succumbed to his injuries at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after being critically wounded during the confrontation. The second suspect, Michel Soto-Mella, a 39-year-old Chilean national who had overstayed his visa, was apprehended by law enforcement with the assistance of K-9 units.
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
Sheriff and Community Support
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells publicly backed the homeowner. Wells emphasized the homeowner’s right to self-defense, stating, “This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot.”
The shooting, deemed a justified use of deadly force by police, sparked community support. Local residents praised the homeowner’s actions, reflecting a widely held belief in the right to protect one’s home and family.
“I think any homeowner is justified—coming through a window or door uninvited—you have the right to do whatever it takes to keep them out,” said a local business owner.
Ongoing Investigation
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, suspecting that additional individuals may have been involved in the home invasion plot. They have called upon the public to come forward with any relevant information, encouraging tips to be submitted to either the Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Soto-Mella is held in custody with multiple charges pending. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment without parole.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences faced by those who choose to violate the sanctity of a family’s home, and the lengths to which law-abiding citizens are prepared to go to ensure their safety.
