Homeowner Opens Fire On Home Invaders

A Polk County homeowner fought back against armed home invaders and may have killed one of them.

Investigators say three men with bandanas over their faces kicked in the front door and tied up the four residents on Sunday.

The homeowner freed himself, grabbed a gun and opened fire on the crooks.

The suspects fled the scene, but 30 minutes later Osceola County deputies received a call about a body in front of a vacant home in Kissimmee. The body turned out to be 25-year-old Berthony Pascal. Investigators believe he was one of the men involved in the home invasion.

"Our neighborhoods had a few instances of things but it usually comes from the outside in. Obviously, in this case, it's done the same thing," said Tom Franklin, resident.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 32-year-old Steeve Vernet Monday and was charged with armed burglary of a dwelling, robbery with a firearm and second-degree murder.

Authorities are still searching for the other suspect involved.

None of the residents were injured.

The homeowner who opened fire will likely not face charges.

Previous Stories: July 25, 2010: Polk Co. Deputies Investigate Home Invasion