BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A homeowner used a machete to defend himself against a burglary suspect, police told WFTV on Monday. The random, terrifying burglary could have cost a Brevard County homeowner his life, according to police.
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WFTV witnessed the family comforting the victim after he fought off a accused burglar and two others.
A lot of homeowners on Digby Road said they have machetes to clear out brush, but on Monday it became a tool for self defense.
On Monday night, the homeowner was recovering in a hospital and police said three burglars randomly chose a home on Digby Road in Palm Bay. One of the burglars was caught when he tried to get medical care in Indian River County. Police said they are trying to get information from the one suspect they have in custody.
Michael Mack probably never imagined he would be checking out of the hospital on Monday only to be booked into jail. Palm Bay police said he was visiting his girlfriend in Palm Bay when he found a house to break into with two of his friends.
"The house seemed vacant so they knocked on the door. Being that nobody answered, they kicked in the door," said a police officer.
Mack didn't know the owner was inside and had a machete within reach. Police said the homeowner was able to strike Mack, leaving him with a gash in his head and hand before Mack ran out of the house. The neighbors were astounded it happened.
"Man, it's something else, you wouldn't think it in this neighborhood. It's a real good neighborhood," said Steve Hackley, resident.
Mack left a trail of blood to a getaway car and might have gotten away, but he went to seek medical treatment at Sebastian Hospital in Indian River County to the south. That is where police found him and arrested him.
The family stood outside the home in disbelief. Clearly shaken up and soon after learning that one of the suspects was caught in the hospital, the homeowner himself had to be taken to a doctor, according to police.
Police said Mack and his friends were hoping to steal whatever was inside, but ended up with stitches. Mack was caught in Indian River county, but police said he had to be extradited back to Brevard County to face home invasion charges.