Suspect shot dead after homeowner opens fire during home invasion: ‘You should expect to get shot’

BRADENTON, Fla. – A man opened fire on two home invaders Thursday night, shooting one who later died as the other ran from the scene, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

It happened around 21 in the 6700 block of Hickory Hammock Cir. in the Lakewood Ranch area, MCSO said.

At a press conference Friday, Sheriff Rick Wells said the homeowner’s surveillance camera recorded movement on the side of the home. He saw two masked men, told his wife to find a safe place and grabbed his gun, Wells said.

Authorities have identified the man who was shot and killed as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a 27-year-old man from Mexico. They say he also goes by the name Anibal Miller-Valencia.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Miller-Valencia had an active parole violation warrant and was considered armed and dangerous after being arrested in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023, where he served four months in prison for residential burglary before he was released on parole in November this year.

Miller-Valencia was shot multiple times and rushed over Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died Friday morning, according to Wells.

“This is the state of Florida. If you’re going to break into somebody’s home, expect to get shot,” Wells said.

Wells said the homeowner’s surveillance camera recorded movement on the side of the home. He saw two masked men, told his wife to find a safe place and grabbed his gun, Wells said.

“He knew something bad was about to happen and he didn’t stop. He grabbed his firearm and told his wife to get into a safe place,” Wells said.

Nearby neighbors heard what happened next.

“I sat down next to the lanai, the door was open. I heard vividly three shots,” said John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member.

MCSO said the second suspect, later identified as Michel Soto-Mella, 39, was tracked down by K9 dogs and arrested a few blocks from the house.

Wells said Soto-Mella was in the country illegally from Chile after his 90-day visa expired in September. No further details have been released about the dead man.

“We’re trying to get everything we can from the (surviving) suspect,” Wells said. “He’s somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.”

In court, Soto-Mella used a translator when he was ordered to be taken into custody for a remand.
“I just want to say that I’ve never had a firearm,” Soto-Mella said through a translator.

“Sir, I don’t want you to talk about the facts of the case,” the judge said.

MCSO says they are still investigating the motives of the two men.

Soto-Mella has been charged with armed burglary, but additional charges are pending.

Detectives were able to charge him with murder when his accomplice died while carrying out a crime.

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