A burglary suspect was apprehended by a homeowner who held him at gunpoint while waiting for deputies to arrive, officials said.
Michael Nelson, 28, and a 17-year-old male used an unlocked door to get into a house in the 8300 block of 36th Avenue E in Palmetto, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The resident was home at the time, and she hid and called 911 while the suspects ransacked her home, deputies said.
When deputies arrived, they saw the suspects run from the home and drive off in a car. They pursued the suspects through the Shadow Brooke Mobile Home Park. The suspects got out of their car and ran from deputies.
Nelson ran into a home in the 3700 block of 70th Street E, but he was held at gunpoint by homeowner Jonathan Friedman until deputies arrived.
Deputies said the woman who called 911 identified Nelson as one of the burglars.
The teenager was later found hiding in the lanai of an occupied home in the 3700 block of 69th Street E.
Deputies said they found several items inside the suspects’ vehicle that they believe were stolen. The car was towed from the scene.
Nelson was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital after he complained of chest pains and being out of breath. Deputies said that once he was at the hospital, he tried to set himself on fire, damaging hospital property in the process.
Deputies said Nelson was not injured and the damage was minimal.
The suspects are facing charges of occupied burglary, fleeing to elude, obstruction and criminal mischief.
We are not naming the juvenile suspect in accordance with our crime guidelines, as it is not known whether he will be charged as an adult.