Jensen Beach Homeowners Confront Suspected Burglar
JENSEN BEACH, Fla. – A series of attempted burglaries in Martin County took a dramatic turn when a suspected intruder encountered a couple who were not willing to back down. The incident led to the arrest of 46-year-old Jonathan Richards, who has a troubling history of prior criminal activity.
The Attempted Break-In
Chaos Unfolds
Lisa reported a terrifying confrontation with Richards, stating, “I see this scary devil looking in my window, and I screamed like a primal scream. The last time I screamed like that was when I gave birth to my son.” This primal reaction prompted both of them to take swift action.
A Bold Response
Chris quickly armed himself with a shotgun and chased after Richards, yelling at him in an attempt to confront the intruder. The tension was captured on their ring camera, with Chris shouting, “What the [expletive] are you doing? Who is this?”
Law Enforcement Involvement
As Richards continued to check other doors in the vicinity, law enforcement was alerted and promptly arrived on the scene. Martin County deputies utilized a police K9 to apprehend Richards nearby.
Community Safety Concerns
Authorities emphasized the gravity of the situation. An officer commented, “He almost got shot by a homeowner. Who, had he shot him, we would be standing here, and I’d be telling you he did a good job and did what a homeowner should do.” However, Chris expressed his preference for non-lethal options, stating, “I’d rather just hit him in the head with the gun. I wouldn’t want to ever have to shoot anybody.”
Suspect’s Criminal Background
Impact on the Community
Following the incident, Lisa expressed her shaken sense of security, remarking, “I thought I was safe. I know a lot of people don’t lock their doors. They will now.” This incident has sparked renewed conversations in the community regarding home security and safety measures.
Legal Proceedings
Richards now faces several charges, including attempted burglary and resisting arrest. He is currently being held without bond, as the community continues to process the events that unfolded.
