Palm Bay, Florida

From Orlando’s Local6.com of January 24, 2007

Police: Brothers Shoot, Beat Home Invaders

An intended target of an early morning home invasion in Palm Bay thwarted the robber's plans when he shot one of the men, according to police. A second potential home invader escaped.

Two men identifying themselves as Palm Bay police tried to get into the Edgewood Drive home around 2:37 a.m. today by jiggling the front door, police spokeswoman Yvonne Martinez told Local 6 News partner Florida Today.

Two brothers and a 17-year-old woman were in the house. One of the brothers, Abraham Suarez, ran out of the back of the house to check on his car and confronted one of the would-be intruders.

The man hit Suarez in the face with a flashlight, the report said. Suarez screamed for his brother to help. Adam Suarez showed up and shot the man in the leg.

Anthony Giuffre, 19, of Sebastian, was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne where he is in police custody. He faces charges involving the home invasion, and impersonating a police officer.

The victims are not facing criminal charges, police said.

“We believe he was defending his property,” said Sgt. Mike Bandish. “The motive for all of this is still unclear, but it doesn’t appear the victim did anything illegal in this particular incident.”