on June 27, 2022
A Florida homeowner shot one of two burglars last week, reports local media outlet News Channel 6.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am on Monday, June 20th. The Leesburg Police Department (LPD) responded to a call from the homeowner who lives on Flora View Lane.
Investigators say the two suspects were entering the home when the victim fired, wounding one of them. The other suspect ran away before police arrived.
According to Capt. Joe Iozzi, the suspects entered the home through a back sliding glass door. On Tuesday, police were able to identify the perp that was shot as Jeffrey Scott Garrard, 55, but they were unable to speak to him as he remains in the ICU.
The LPD believes that the two burglars thought the house was abandoned because a tree had fallen on the home during a recent storm.
“I knew there had been an issue over there. They had a tree fall on the house during the storm. Somebody had come in after that,” said Mark Hosler, a neighbor. “Looks like they came back to get more stuff from the house, and the owner happened to be home.”
Police say the home was the target of a similar burglary about one week ago, and for that reason, the homeowner had been staying at the property.
The suspect that was shot was flown to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. The homeowner was not injured in the altercation. Detectives say it does not appear the homeowner will face charges.
“Detectives are currently filing search warrants for the vehicle found at the location (registered to Garrard), and for additional items discovered within the vehicle,” a Leesburg Police Spokesperson revealed in a statement.
Police said that officers are searching for the second suspect who is described as being white with a slim build. He is about 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie and tan shorts.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with surveillance video or any information regarding the case is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 352-728-9862.
