Bradenton Husband Fatally Shoots Alleged Kidnapper in New Year’s Day Self-Defense Incident

A Bradenton man shot and killed a man early New Year’s Day after investigators say the suspect tried to abduct his wife while she was walking their dog, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to investigators, the incident unfolded just after midnight near the couple’s home on the 3800 block of 18th Place East when the wife was approached by a man driving a vehicle. Detectives allege the man attempted to force her into the vehicle, but she was able to break free and run back to her home, where she alerted her husband.

The husband confronted the suspect outside their home, and the man then behaved in a threatening manner and advanced toward him, prompting the homeowner to fire a single shot, authorities said. Deputies later determined that the shooting was an act of self-defense.

The suspect, identified as a 36-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and agreed the homeowner’s actions were justified under Florida law, the sheriff’s office said.

Officials noted that there was no known prior relationship between the suspect and the couple, and investigators are continuing to piece together details of the early-morning incident.