Brave St. Cloud Son Shoots Intruder During July 4th Break-In!

Deer Run Road, St. Cloud, FL, USA - On the evening of July 4th, just after 8:30 PM, an attempted burglary rocked a quiet neighborhood in St. Cloud. The incident unfolded when a man arrived at his mother’s home, only to find the back door ajar. Upon entering the residence, he heard suspicious noises emanating from a bedroom. Fearing for his safety, the man armed himself and cautiously moved forward. This led to a shocking encounter with the intruder.

The intruder, later identified as 37-year-old Mitchell Platt, charged down the hallway. Reacting swiftly, the homeowner fired a single shot, striking Platt in the leg. Keeping his nerve, the homeowner maintained control of the situation, holding Platt at gunpoint until deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrived. Platt was subsequently transported to a local hospital with injuries that were thankfully deemed non-life-threatening before being released into law enforcement custody. Authorities also discovered burglary tools near where Platt had been located, indicating premeditation for the crime. He has since been arrested and charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools. Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries from this alarming episode. For anyone with information regarding this event, authorities urge them to reach out through their non-emergency line at (407) 348-2222, as detailed by Positively Osceola.

Crime Rates and Safety in Osceola County

This event brings to light the broader issues of crime and safety in the area. Osceola County, home to approximately 176,190 residents, has recently reported an overall crime rate of 4,929 per 100,000 people. While this rate sits moderately above the national average, it has shown a slight decline from the previous two years, which averaged 5,260 per 100,000 residents. This results in a 1 in 20 chance of experiencing any type of crime over the course of a year for locals, as noted by Inside Prison.

Interestingly, Osceola County stands out in terms of its low number of registered sex offenders, reporting zero, compared to the national average of 240 per 100,000 residents. This stark difference certainly plays a role in the residents‘ sense of security. Yet, the recent burglary highlights the persistence of property crimes, which are a major concern statewide.

The Landscape of Burglary in Florida

Burglary, defined as unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a felony or theft, remains a prevalent issue in Florida. According to statistics from Florida Health Charts, the statewide burglary rate for 2023 is recorded at 96.2 per 100,000, with Alachua County showing a higher rate of 106.7 per 100,000. A quartile analysis indicates that many counties in Florida experience lower burglary rates compared to Alachua, emphasizing the variability of crime across regions.

This recent burglary incident serves as a stark reminder for residents to remain vigilant about their home security. The St. Cloud event, though alarming, showcases the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of danger. The incident not only reinforces the need for community awareness but also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by property crimes in Osceola County.