Florida Man Arrested Following Home Break‑In and Assault Incident

I can’t imagine anything more terrifying—waking up in the middle of the night to find a stranger standing over you while you’re completely vulnerable.

That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Punta Gorda late Wednesday night. According to deputies, she had been sleeping unclothed when a man, now identified as Albert Thomas Jr., broke into her home and stood over her bed. He didn’t say much—just asked to take a shower. Seconds later, it turned violent. He slammed her to the ground twice and, according to her statement, tried to break her back.

She somehow managed to escape. Still naked, she ran out into the street, screaming for help. That image—someone running barefoot and exposed through the night, not caring who sees them, just trying to survive—hits hard.

People passing by saw her and stopped. One of them called 911. Deputies later caught Thomas just a few blocks away on Padula Street.

This isn’t just another Florida crime headline. It’s a reminder of how fragile our sense of safety can be, even inside our own homes.

What would you do if this happened in your neighborhood?

Who Is the Florida Man Arrested for Home Invasion?

I looked into the suspect, and here’s what we know.

According to Gulf Coast News Now, the man arrested is Albert Thomas Jr., who’s now facing charges of burglary and battery. Deputies say he broke into the woman’s home late at night and stood over her while she was sleeping. What’s chilling is that he didn’t immediately attack—he asked to take a shower first.

But then, something flipped. He slammed her to the ground twice and, based on the victim’s statement, tried to break her back. That kind of violence isn’t random—it’s deliberate.

Thomas tried to flee the scene on a bicycle, but Charlotte County deputies found him not long after, just a short distance away on Padula Street. He was arrested without further incident.

When someone does something this violent in a neighborhood like Punta Gorda, it doesn’t just stay on one street. It shakes the entire community.

How the Victim Survived — A Real-Life Escape Story

Let’s be honest—most of us wouldn’t know what to do in a moment like that.

But this woman didn’t freeze. She ran for her life—literally. Naked, terrified, and injured, she burst out of her house and into the street, screaming for help. I can’t stop thinking about that moment. It wasn’t just a physical escape—it was a survival instinct in its rawest form.

A neighbor saw her. A passing driver stopped. That driver made the 911 call that ultimately led to Thomas’ arrest.

You and I hear the word “bravery” a lot, but what she did? That’s what it looks like in real life. No prep, no planning. Just fight or flight. And she chose fight by escaping.

It’s a reminder that even when we’re at our most vulnerable, that spark to survive can kick in. And sometimes, that’s all we need.

In another case that unfolded just weeks ago, a suspect led police on a chase after targeting two Michigan homes in a planned invasion, underscoring how quickly these situations can escalate.

Legal Fallout — What Charges Does He Face Now?

Now, you’re probably wondering: What happens to someone who does this?

Right now, Thomas is facing charges of burglary and battery. In Florida, burglary alone is a felony—but when it involves violence, it gets much more serious. If prosecutors determine he intended to cause serious harm, the charge could escalate to “burglary with battery,” which carries a possible life sentence under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(a).

And the battery charge? That’s not a slap on the wrist either. If the victim’s injuries are proven to be substantial, it could be upgraded to aggravated battery—another felony.

What I’m watching now is whether the State Attorney’s Office pushes for stiffer charges based on the trauma the victim went through. If I were in her shoes, I’d want the full weight of the law to come down on him.

You should know this too—Florida doesn’t take home invasions lightly. And honestly, it shouldn’t.

This isn’t just theory—residents in Oak Creek are already ramping up security after a recent invasion put the entire neighborhood on edge.

Why Florida Sees So Many Home Invasions Like This?

This case isn’t isolated. And that’s what bothers me most.

Florida has consistently ranked among the top five states for home break-ins. According to recent FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) crime data, over 10,000 burglary incidents were reported statewide in the last year alone. And a disturbing number of those happened while victims were home.

So, what’s going on?

Some experts point to the rising number of people facing mental health crises, while others blame economic desperation. But let’s call it what it is—there’s a growing boldness among criminals who think they can get away with this kind of thing.

You’ve probably heard about that case in Orlando earlier this year, where a man posed as a community officer to get inside someone’s home and attack an elderly woman. These aren’t petty thefts anymore. They’re targeted, violent intrusions.

It’s time we start treating them that way. As patterns, not isolated incidents.

In fact, a similar violent break-in in Michigan earlier this year led to an arrest in Stevensville after a brutal home assault, showing how these crimes aren’t limited to Florida.

How You Can Stay Safe From a Home Invasion?

Look, I get it—you want to feel safe in your own home. We all do. But here’s the truth: locks and alarms alone aren’t enough anymore.

I’ve covered enough of these cases to see what works and what doesn’t. So if you’re serious about protecting your home and your peace of mind, here’s what you can do starting tonight:

• Reinforce your doors. Most break-ins happen through the front door. Install a heavy-duty deadbolt and a strike plate with 3-inch screws.
• Install motion-activated lights outside your home. Criminals hate being seen.
• Use a doorbell camera or smart security system. Even something simple like a Ring cam makes a big difference.
• Keep your phone within reach while you sleep. Sounds basic, but in emergencies, seconds count.
• Talk to your neighbors. Build that network. The woman in this case survived partly because someone was paying attention.

And here’s something I noticed recently—there are WhatsApp communities where homeowners in Florida have started sharing real-time alerts, suspicious activity reports, and safety tips. I came across one where residents were talking about someone casing houses in the same area just a week before this attack.

If you’re not in one of those groups yet, it might be time to look around and join a few.

At the end of the day, I want you to feel empowered—not scared. We can’t stop every crime, but we can stop being easy targets.

What Happens Next in This Case?

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering—what’s going to happen to this guy now?

As of now, Albert Thomas Jr. is in custody, and formal charges have been filed. But here’s the thing: this is just the beginning of a long process. Florida’s justice system doesn’t move overnight. There will likely be a court appearance in the coming days, followed by either a plea hearing or a formal trial, depending on how the case unfolds.

I’ll be watching closely to see whether prosecutors upgrade the charges, especially given the level of violence and the fact that the victim was targeted while completely vulnerable. In similar cases I’ve covered, defendants were sent for mental evaluations, especially if the behavior seemed erratic or predatory.

Another big question? Will he be granted bail. Right now, that hasn’t been confirmed publicly. But if a judge sees him as a threat to the community—or to the victim—it’s possible he’ll be held without release.

As for the victim, her journey doesn’t end here either. There’s physical recovery, of course, but there’s also the emotional side of surviving something so traumatic. I hope she gets all the support she needs—through victim advocacy programs, therapy, or just community support.

Want more real-world stories and home safety insights like this? Visit Build Like New for the latest on home invasions, community safety, and crime prevention.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official reports available at the time of writing. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Details may change as the investigation and legal process continue.