A homeowner in Ocala, Florida returned from a seven-month trip to New Zealand only to discover his house in disarray and burglarized, leading to the arrest of an alleged squatter.
Armed Florida man confronts squatter who took over house while he was overseas: police https://t.co/yGa8gSg6Xq
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 15, 2023
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner, whose identity remains undisclosed, reported the incident after finding his home trashed and several items missing. He then decided to take matters into his own hands and slept in a closet within the house, in an attempt to catch the alleged squatter red-handed.
The following morning, at around 8 a.m., the homeowner’s alarm alerted him to the presence of an intruder. Authorities identified the individual as 26-year-old Ze’Moye Brown, who was allegedly peeking inside the closet.
A confrontation ensued between the homeowner and Brown, with both parties claiming ownership of the property. As tensions escalated, the homeowner discharged a round from his Beretta handgun into the front door, hoping to scare Brown off his home.
Startled by the gunshot, Brown fled the scene and contacted police to say that he had been shot. Per Fox 35, he told authorities that he was the rightful owner of the home he had been occupying as a squatter.
During questioning, Brown claimed to have been residing in the vacant home for “a few months” and insisted that the windows and doors were already unlocked upon his arrival. He further alleged that the house had remained unoccupied for the past three years. However, he denied any involvement in the theft of the homeowner’s missing belongings.
Brown was taken into custody after the homeowner pressed charges. Upon his arrest, authorities found a substance resembling a rock on him. When the substance was tested, it was said to contain methamphetamine. He was also found to be in possession of marijuana.
In all, Brown faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor trespassing, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He is currently being held on a $4,000 bond.
Interestingly, this is not Brown’s first run-in with the law. According to Daily Mail, his criminal history dates back to 2014, including charges of grand larceny, resisting arrest, and other trespassing offenses.
