Suspected Robber Killed During Bradenton Home Invasion

BRADENTON, FL — A suspected home invader was killed Friday morning after he allegedly surprised a sleeping Bradenton homeowner by putting a gun to his head.

"The unknown male then fired a round next to his head and began pistol whipping him," the Manatee County Sheriff's Office explained. "The victim began fighting back and the unknown male dropped the pistol. The victim tells deputies he then grabbed the pistol and fired one round at the intruder, who fell to the ground."

The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Demetrius Antonio Downer, who was found near the home in the 4500 27th Street West.

"It appears he died from a gunshot wound," the sheriff's office said.

The homeowner ran next door to tell a neighbor what happened. "When deputies entered the residence they observed a pistol and the back door open, but no one was on the ground as the victim had stated," the sheriff's office said.

Deputies conducted a search of the area using K-9 and the UAS response team. "While piloting the drone, an unresponsive black male was observed on the ground against a condo building, directly east of the victim’s house," the sheriff's office said.

The incident remains under investigation.