Florida homeowner utilized Second Amendment right when he killed intruder: sheriff

A homeowner was “utilizing his Second Amendment right to protect himself and his family” when he shot dead a man who broke into his home with a gun, a Florida sheriff said.

The homeowner acted in self-defense when he killed Ronald Fleet, 55, in Land O’Lakes Saturday afternoon, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

“Any loss of life is tragic, but the victim was utilizing his Second Amendment right to protect himself and his family from the fear of Ronald, who was carrying a gun and kicking in the door,” Nocco said, according to Fox 13 Tampa. “I can’t imagine the fear they were going through.”

Mugshot for Ronald Fleet, 55, from a 2011 domestic battery arrest. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

A member of the homeowner’s family was Fleet’s estranged wife, Nocco said, according to reports.

He said the woman was divorcing Fleet, who went to the home enraged that the homeowner was supporting her during the litigation.

Fleet kicked in the door and then retreated when he fired his gun at the homeowner and the homeowner fired back, Nocco said.

Fleet was killed when he forced his way into the home a second time, the sheriff said.

He said Fleet was carrying a .380 caliber handgun and discharged one round.

Fleet had a prior arrest for domestic battery in 2011, WFLA-TV reported.

*story by Fox News