Felon Shot Man With Machete In Self-Defense: Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — A convicted felon shot and killed a man who snuck up on him with a machete as he slept in the carport of a Bradenton home early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Bruce Brooks, 35, now faces a felony charge for possessing a gun as a felon, Bradenton police said in a news release.

Just before 3:30 a.m., the 31-year-old victim was involved in a domestic argument outside a home in the 700 block of 11th Avenue E., multiple witnesses told police. During this argument, the victim also yelled at neighbors.

The victim then armed himself with a machete, entered a neighboring yard and approached Brooks, who was asleep in the home’s carport, police said.

Brooks woke up, saw the victim coming with the machete and shot him with a handgun in self-defense, according to BPD.

Responding officers found the victim with two gunshot wounds. EMS brought him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

After the fatal shooting, Brooks left the scene but later contacted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Task Force.

The victim’s name is being withheld under Marsy’s Law protections, police said.

Anyone with information on this case can contact Detective Jeff Beckley at jeff.beckley@bradentonpd.com or Detective Todd Freed at todd.freed@bradentonpd.com. They can also call BPD at 941-932-9300.

To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous e-tip through manateecrimestoppers.com.