Florida Homeowner Shoots Intruder Breaking Through Exterior Door; No Charges Filed
A Florida homeowner shot an intruder who was forcing his way through an exterior door late at night, according to Concealed Nation, and police say he will not be charged. The report gives few details beyond the order of events and the legal outcome.
The short version
Concealed Nation, citing local police reports, says the homeowner heard heavy blows on an exterior door and saw a stranger trying to force the deadbolt. He took a firearm from a quick-access safe, moved behind cover in a hallway and shouted that he was armed and that the man should stop. When the intruder broke the door frame and tried to step inside, the homeowner fired and hit him.
Police arrived within minutes, secured the area, took the wounded man into custody and gave first aid. Investigators said the homeowner acted within self-defense law, and no charges were filed. The outlet describes Florida's Castle Doctrine as presuming reasonable fear when someone forcibly and unlawfully enters an occupied home, with no duty to retreat. It also suggests heavy-duty strike plates secured with three-inch screws.
Key points
- Time: The break-in attempt happened late in the evening.
- Warning: The homeowner gave verbal commands from behind hallway cover before firing.
- The shot: He fired as the intruder forced the frame and crossed the threshold.
- Suspect: The wounded man was arrested and given first aid by officers.
- Legal result: Police said the homeowner acted lawfully, citing Florida's Castle Doctrine, and filed no charges.
- Hardware tip: Concealed Nation suggests strike plates with three-inch screws on exterior doors.
Bottom line
In this account the homeowner warned the intruder and fired only after the door gave way, and police declined to charge him. Because the report names no city, date or people, readers should treat its specifics with some caution until more information is available.
Summary by Firearm Discounts. Read the full story at Concealed Nation.