Crime & Safety

Armed Burglar Fatally Shot Breaking Into FL Home: Hillsborough Sheriff

An armed burglary suspect was shot and killed after breaking into a Ruskin home early Sunday morning, the Hillsborough County sheriff said.

RUSKIN, FL — An armed burglary suspect was shot and killed after breaking into a Ruskin home early Sunday morning, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Deputies responded to the home in the 3000 block of Double D Ranch Trail around 12:30 a.m.

When they arrived, they found the suspect dead from multiple gunshot wounds, the sheriff’s office said.

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Detectives learned that the homeowner’s adult son shot the suspect after he broke into their home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Imagine the fear of being awoken in the middle of the night to a stranger invading your home," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This is every homeowner's greatest fear, a dangerous and brazen individual breaking in, showing a complete disregard for the safety and security of others. Our thoughts are with this family as they recover from the trauma of this event."

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