Florida Sheriff Says ‘You Should Expect To Be Shot’ After Homeowner Kills Intruder [WATCH]

A Florida sheriff issued a stark warning to potential intruders after a homeowner shot and killed one of two men attempting to break into his home in Manatee County.

The incident, which occurred Thursday night, resulted in the death of 23-year-old Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo and the arrest of 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mella, both of whom were identified as illegal immigrants.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the deadly encounter took place just after 9 p.m. when the homeowner, who has not been identified, observed two masked men entering the back of his residence through his video surveillance system.

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Realizing the threat, the homeowner immediately retrieved his firearm and instructed his wife to take cover.

Sheriff Rick Wells, speaking at a press conference Friday, stated, “He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stall. He grabbed his firearm [and] told his wife to get into a safe spot.” The homeowner fired multiple shots, striking Flores-Toledo “several times.” Soto-Mella fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.

John Nuceder, a neighbor visiting family, recounted hearing the gunfire. “I sat down next to the lanai, the door was open,” Nuceder told Fox 13. “I vividly heard three gunshots.”

Flores-Toledo was initially reported as being in critical condition before being transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Friday morning.

Sheriff Wells emphasized the state’s stance on self-defense, stating, “This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot.”

BREAKING: Attempted home invasion in Bradenton FL. — homeowner starts shooting, killing one of the intruders.

Both of the suspects are Chilean nationals.

Sheriff Rick Wells: “This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot.” pic.twitter.com/pchx5jLCrD

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Authorities quickly located Soto-Mella a few blocks from the scene, using K9 units to track him down.

He was arrested and charged with armed burglary, with additional charges expected.

Soto-Mella, an illegal immigrant from Chile, had overstayed his 90-day visa, which expired in September.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that everyone involved in the incident had been accounted for, and there was no further threat to the community.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the break-in and are working to determine why Flores-Toledo and Soto-Mella targeted the residence. “We’re trying to get everything that we can from the [surviving] suspect,” Sheriff Wells said. “He’s being somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.”

At a court hearing, Soto-Mella, through a translator, denied having any firearms. Investigators believe there may be additional individuals connected to the crime and are continuing their inquiries.

Flores-Toledo, also known by the alias Anibal Miller-Valencia, had a criminal history.

In 2023, he was arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois, for residential burglary and served four months in jail before being released on parole in November.

At the time of the home invasion, he had an active warrant for a parole violation and was considered “armed and dangerous.”

The identity of the homeowner has not been released, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to inquiries about whether the homeowner will face any charges.

As of Friday night, no charges had been announced against the homeowner.

The incident highlights the ongoing debate over home security and the right to self-defense, especially in states like Florida, where laws protect homeowners who use force in defense of their property.

The sheriff’s remarks underscore the seriousness with which authorities view such cases: “If you break into someone’s home, you better expect to pay the consequences,” Wells added.

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