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

BRADENTON, Fla. – According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a man opened fire on two burglars Thursday night, shooting one who later died as the other fled the scene.

It happened in the 6700 block of Hickory Hammock Cir around 9 p.m. in the Lakewood Ranch area, MCSO said.

At a news conference Friday, Sheriff Rick Wells said the homeowner’s surveillance camera detected movement on the side of the house. He then spotted 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 as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, a 27-year-old from Mexico. It is said that he is also known as Anibal Miller-Valencia.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Miller-Valencia had an active warrant for his arrest for a probation violation and was considered armed and dangerous following his arrest in Oak Brook, Illinois, in 2023, for which he served four months for residential burglary He served time in prison before being released on parole in November of this year.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a Manatee County man opened fire on two would-be burglars Thursday evening, shooting one while the other fled the scene.

Miller-Valencia was shot multiple times and stormed Sarasota Wells said he died Friday morning at Memorial Hospital, where he died.

“This is Florida State. If you want to break into someone’s house, expect to be shot,” Wells said.

Wells said the homeowner’s security camera detected movement on the side of the house. He then spotted two masked men, told his wife to find a safe place and grabbed his gun, Wells said.

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

Neighbors nearby heard what happened next.

“I sat down next to the porch, the door was open. I clearly heard three gunshots,” said John Nuceder, who was visiting a family member.

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

Mugshot of Michel Soto-Mella (Courtesy of MCSO).

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

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

In court, Soto-Mella used an interpreter as he was ordered to be remanded in custody pending a detention hearing.
“I just want to say that I have never had firearms,” Soto-Mella said through a translator.

“Sir, I don’t want you to discuss the matter,” the judge said.

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

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

Investigators could charge him with aggravated murder because his accomplice died while committing a crime.

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