A Florida sheriff said intruders should “expect to be shot” as he released information about a homeowner who opened fire on two masked men trying to break into his home, killing one.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 23, of Mexico, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The second suspect, 39-year-old Michel Soto-Mela, an illegal immigrant from Chile, has been charged with armed robbery, and additional charges are pending.
Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, a Manatee County homeowner saw two men enter the back of his home on his video surveillance system, according to authorities.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Michelle Soto-Mela has been charged with armed robbery, with additional charges pending.
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“He knew something bad was going to happen and he didn’t stop,” MCSO Sheriff Rick Wells said during a news conference Friday. “He grabbed his gun [and] Told his wife to go to a safe place.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner fired several rounds, hitting Flores-Toledo “multiple times”, while Soto-Mela fled the scene.
A Manatee County man opened fire on two would-be home invaders Thursday night.
“I sat next to the lanai, the door was open,” John Nusseder, who was visiting a family member in the neighborhood, told Fox 13. “I clearly heard three gunshots.”
Flores-Toledo was initially reported to be in critical condition before being taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died Friday morning, officials said.
“This is the state of Florida,” Wells said. “If you want to break into someone’s house, you should expect to get shot.”
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies used K9 units to track down Soto-Mela, who was in the country illegally after his 90-day visa expired in September, and arrested him a few blocks away. The scene was secured and everyone involved was accounted for, with no threat to the community.
According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon, detectives are currently investigating Flores-Toledo’s background and “trying to understand” why he and Soto-Mela targeted the home.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells spoke about the shooting at a news conference Friday.
“We’re trying to get everything we can [surviving] There are suspicions,” Wells said. “He’s cooperative to some extent, but he’s not telling us everything.”
At the court hearing, Fox 13 reported that Soto-Mela used a translator to tell the judge he did not have any guns.
Manatee County homicide detectives said they believe other individuals may have been involved in the crime.
According to authorities, Flores-Toledo, also known as Anibal Miller-Valenia, was arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois in 2023 and served four months in prison for residential burglary before being released on parole in November. Was kept. He had an active parole violation warrant and was considered “armed and dangerous.”
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The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News’ question about whether the homeowner faces any charges. His identity has not been released as of Friday night.
fox 13 tampa bayChuck Merlis and Ryan Burkett contributed to this story.
