A Florida Airbnb renter turned the tables on two alleged armed intruders during a violent home invasion, shooting one suspect in the chest before police captured both men, authorities said.
The terrifying encounter unfolded around 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at a rental home in the 800 block of Northwest 19th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
According to Fort Lauderdale police, two armed men allegedly entered the Airbnb while attempting to rob the person staying inside.
What followed was a violent confrontation.
Police said the renter, who was also armed, opened fire during the struggle and shot 18-year-old Dareon Pubien in the upper torso. Pubien then allegedly ran from the house on foot, leaving a trail of blood behind him. CBS News
Officers later found Pubien nearby suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition. CBS News
A second suspect, 25-year-old Sean Thompson, was also arrested in connection with the break-in.
Police said both men were armed when they entered the home and are now facing multiple charges, including attempted felony murder and home invasion with a firearm. CBS News
Thompson appeared in court the following day and was ordered held without bond.
The renter who fired the shots has not been publicly identified.
At this point, police are investigating the shooting as an act of self-defense.
A neighbor, Arthur Butler Jr., said he heard a barrage of gunfire erupt from the property and estimated there may have been at least 10 shots.
“It started off shooting inside the house, then it came out,” Butler told CBS Miami.
Butler said the normally quiet neighborhood was suddenly filled with people running as the chaos spilled outside. He also told NBC 6 that he saw the suspects attempting to get over a gate before moving around the side of the property. CBS News
Police have not said whether the renter knew either suspect or whether the Airbnb was specifically targeted.
Investigators are still working to piece together exactly what happened before the gunfire began.
For now, authorities say the renter is not facing charges, while Pubien and Thompson remain accused of taking part in the armed home invasion.
