Florida convicted felon charged after fatally shooting machete-wielding man in self-defense

A Bradenton, Florida, convicted felon allegedly shot and killed a man in self-defense on Sunday after a man approached him wielding a machete.

Bradenton Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, and when they arrived, they found a man suffering from two gunshot wounds.

The victim, who has not been named by police, was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced dead.

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Investigators attempted to located 35-year-old Bruce Brooks, who fled the scene after shooting the man, though police said he was not a suspect.

Brooks, who has a prior felony conviction, eventually contacted investigators and told them shortly before 3:30 a.m., the 32-year-old victim had been involved in a domestic dispute outside his home.

Brooks said the argument later escalated to the victim yelling at neighbors before arming himself with a machete, walking onto a neighboring yard and approaching Brooks.

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At the time, he said, he was sleeping in the carport.

When Brooks woke up and saw the victim walking toward him with a machete, he shot the victim with a handgun in self-defense, police said.

But because Brooks is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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Ultimately, he was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident are encouraged to contact Detective Jeff Beckley or Detective Todd Freed by calling 941-932-9300.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477.