Haines City, Florida – A Haines City resident shot and wounded a suspected burglar early Friday morning. At 1:45 a.m., the homeowner of the home in the Oakland community with his girlfriend and a small puppy find two strangers standing in his kitchen. The homeowner was very startled seeing the burglars in front of him. Not knowing what the intentions of the strangers in their home were, he was immediately overcome with fear for his life and that of his girlfriend.
The homeowner, who has a concealed weapon license, fired five shots from a Glock 9mm at the suspect closest to him.
The homeowner left the scene and called 911 on his way to the Haines City Police Department. Before he could arrive at the police station, police officers stopped the homeowner. While one officer stayed with the homeowner, other patrol officers responded to the residence. Upon arrival, 27-year-old Tyriek Tramaine Washington, of Haines City, was no longer at the home. Corporal Joseph Elam and K-9 Cash followed the trail of the suspect to Boomerang Park.
Washington was found underneath a pavilion with four bullet wounds. He also had property belonging to the homeowner in his possession. Officer Noel Feliciano, Officer Esmerelda Dominguez, Officer Justin Vasquez and Sgt. Nick Dublino provided immediate lifesaving measures to the suspect until he was flown to Osceola Regional Medical Center Washington is listed in critical but stable condition.
Washington was charged with burglary of a residence a second degree felony and grand theft, a third degree felony. Washington has an arrest history that includes burglary, theft, loitering and prowling, resisting an officer, and drug possession.
“When a person breaks the sanctity of a person’s home, the average person would rightly conclude their purpose was evil,” said Police Chief Greg Goreck. “The homeowner had every right to take the action he did in this case based on the circumstances.”
The investigation is ongoing and police are attempting to identify the second suspect.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS) or via the web at
