PALMETTO, Fla. — A Palmetto city commissioner shot a man after the man allegedly tried to break into his home after crashing into another house while fleeing from officers, according to police.
- Incident occurred December 27
- Avelino Vasquez-Perez, 22, charged with burglary, battery, resisting arrest
- Investigation ongoing
- More Manatee County stories
Around 10 p.m. Thursday officers said they saw Avelino Misreal Vasquez-Perez, 22, driving erratically and tried to pull him over.
Vasquez-Perez took off and crashed into a house a few blocks away on Fourth Street West.
"I heard quite a few noises. There was scratching and banging, several bangs actually," said area resident Cassie Jalanopoulos.
Vasquez-Perez and a passenger ran from the car. Officers picked up the passenger, but initially couldn't find Vasquez-Perez.
They said Vasquez-Perez jumped a fence into Palmetto Commissioner Brian Williams' backyard and then broke into his garage.
Williams reportedly heard Vasquez-Perez trying to get into the house and confronted him. He told Vasquez-Perez to get down on the ground while a family member called 911.
Instead, Vasquez-Perez allegedly tried to punch Williams and push his way into the house, so Williams shot him.
Vasquez-Perez then took off running and was caught in a nearby yard.
"I certainly didn't want anybody coming through by back door. That's why I ran to the backyard to lock it because I saw him coming towards me, " said Jalanopoulos. "I'm glad he didn't come through my door, because who knows what I would have done to him."
Vasquez-Perez was taken into custody. He is being charged with burglary, battery and resisting arrest without violence.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, but it appears Williams was acting in self-defense and will not face any charges.
Avelino Vasquez-Perez (Courtesy of Manatee County Jail)