A Florida homeowner shot and killed a robbery suspect Thursday night, but police later arrested his immigrant accomplice, authorities said.
The two alleged robbers entered the home from the back and were captured on the property's video surveillance system. According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), the homeowner opened fire on two people, hitting and seriously injuring one person. said.
MCSO later identified the suspect in custody as Michel Sotomela, 39, a Chilean national. He has been charged with armed robbery and may face additional charges.
Wells told reporters that Sotomela had entered California on a 90-day visa that had expired in September. The suspect then moved to a hotel in Tampa about six days before the home invasion and decided to commit the crime with his partner, Wells added.
MCSO also identified the deceased suspect as 27-year-old Mexican national Jorge Nesteban Flores-Toledo. The deceased suspect also went by the alias Anibal Miller-Valensi. Under that pseudonym, Flores-Toledo was sentenced to four months in prison in Illinois for burglary and was released in November. He was then wanted for a parole violation and was considered armed and dangerous, MCSO said. (Related: Mexico develops “warning button” app for immigrants arrested by ICE)
The homeowner reported the suspected home invasion and shooting to MCSO. “He told his wife, 'This is happening, this is happening, find a safe place,'” Sheriff Rick Wells said. said Reporters at a press conference.
The armed homeowner encountered one of the suspects, who forced entry through a window. The homeowner fired at least three shots, seriously injuring Flores-Toledo. Wells said the alleged accomplice was halfway to the window at the time but fled. The suspects did not have guns, but reportedly had a large crowbar.
Flores-Toledo died Friday morning at a hospital. MCSO deputies and a K9 unit tracked Sotomera several blocks away and arrested him, MCSO added.
“The bottom line is this is Florida. Do you want to break into someone's house? Be prepared to get shot,” Wells said.
The couple were in their 50s and the husband legally owned the gun, Wells added.
Wells said MCSO is working with the Border Patrol to determine the suspects' motive for targeting the residence and whether the alleged crimes are connected to others in Manatee County.
Mr Wells added that the homeowner's actions were to protect himself and his wife, who were both shaken by the “traumatic event”.
“I commend this husband for doing what was necessary to protect his home,” Wells said.
