A Florida homeowner shot in self-defense during an attempted robbery, as per the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office report on Wednesday night.
According to officials, the incident occurred just before 8 p.m. when the homeowner noticed two individuals attempting to break into a residence on Clearwater Road.
Authorities confirmed the homeowner fired a weapon, hitting one of the juvenile suspects, who was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
The other suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Anson Sean Drew from Fernandina Beach, fled but was found shortly after through the combined efforts of a drone, K-9 units, and air support from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The juvenile suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the hip. It was reported that Drew escaped leaving behind one of his shoes and was eventually arrested at his residence.
Drew is facing two counts of theft.
As stated by the victim, the homeowner heard noises outside and saw two people in the yard. One suspect forced the front door open and shone a flashlight inside.
In a moment of fear for his safety, the homeowner discharged his firearm twice. Detectives later asserted his actions fell under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
“Anyone who breaks into someone else’s home should expect to be shot,” remarked Sheriff Bill Leeper, noting the seriousness of the crime.
The suspects reportedly mentioned they liked breaking into vacant homes to smoke marijuana, although they did not have any on them at the time.
Drew was booked into Nassau County Jail with bail set at more than $10,000, but as of Friday morning, he was not listed on the jail roster.
Meanwhile, the juvenile suspect will face charges pending an arrest warrant.
