Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper has ruled a Wednesday night shooting as an act of self-defense after a homeowner opened fire on two intruders. 18-year-old Anson Shawn Drew and a juvenile accomplice allegedly broke into a home on Clearwater Road, resulting in the juvenile being wounded and Drew being arrested after fleeing the scene.

NASSAUVILLE, FL (3-minute read) — A Nassau County homeowner who was previously targeted by thieves was ready when intruders returned to his Clearwater Road property Wednesday night. Around 2:40 a.m., 18-year-old Anson Shawn Drew and a juvenile accomplice allegedly broke into the home, reportedly under the mistaken belief that the residence was vacant.

The homeowner, who was startled by a flashlight pointed at him in the dark, drew his revolver and fired, striking the juvenile suspect in the lower back. Sheriff Bill Leeper did not hold back when discussing the incident, stating, “If you break into somebody’s home, you should beg to get shot. And that’s exactly what happened”. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot, but Drew was so desperate to escape that he left one of his shoes behind at the scene. He was apprehended later at his home.

A History of Hardened Defense

This incident follows a prior burglary at the same residence just a month ago, during which several firearms were stolen. This repeat victimization likely contributed to the homeowner’s high state of alert. While the suspects claimed they were looking for a place to smoke marijuana, Sheriff Leeper noted that no drugs were found on them during this incident.

The juvenile suspect is currently in stable condition at a local hospital, while Drew is being held in the Nassau County jail on a bond exceeding $10,000. The Sheriff’s Office has firmly classified the shooting as a justified act of self-defense under Florida law.

Safety Tip: Being a victim of a prior burglary significantly increases the statistical likelihood of a “repeat hit,” as criminals now have a layout of your home and know what was left behind. If you have been burglarized, immediately harden your perimeter by installing strike plate anchors, motion-activated exterior lighting, and a monitored alarm system.