Osceola County Man Shoots Burglar at His Mother’s Home

I’ve been following local crime stories for years, but this one from Osceola County really stuck with me. It wasn’t just another break-in. This was a real-life moment where someone’s quick thinking—and a legally owned firearm—likely saved lives.

It happened on a Friday night, around 8:30 PM, when a man went to check on his mother’s home near Deer Run Road. He noticed the back door was open. Strange, right? Most of us would feel that gut-level alarm in a situation like that. He walked in and heard noises coming from the bedroom. That’s when he did what many of us hope we’d have the courage to do—he grabbed his revolver and stepped in.

Seconds later, the intruder charged straight at him from the hallway. One shot was fired. It hit the suspect in the leg. The man didn’t panic—he held the suspect at gunpoint and waited for deputies to arrive.

The story didn’t end with a body. It ended with an arrest. And a lot of questions—about safety, legality, and what you’d do if it happened to you.

Let’s break that down.

What Happened That Night?

I want you to imagine this—you go to check on your mom’s house, maybe after a July 4th dinner, and something feels off. That’s exactly what happened to one Osceola County man. According to a report by FOX 35 Orlando, it was around 8:30 PM on a Friday night when he arrived at his mother’s house on Deer Run Road.

The first red flag? The rear door was left wide open. You’ve probably felt that moment of dread before—even just seeing your own door unlocked can make your stomach drop. But this was different. The man walked in and started hearing strange noises coming from the back bedroom.

Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s when most of us freeze. He didn’t. He grabbed his revolver. As he moved through the house, he called out—hoping it was a false alarm. But it wasn’t.

Out of the hallway came a grown man, charging straight at him.

The homeowner’s son fired once—just once—and hit the intruder in the leg. Then, instead of panicking or fleeing, he held the man at gunpoint until deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrived.

That level of calm? It’s rare. And it might’ve saved lives that night.

Who Was the Intruder?

You’re probably wondering, “Who was this guy?” Because same—I wanted to know who thought it was smart to break into someone’s home at night on a holiday weekend.

According to Click Orlando, the suspect was 37-year-old Mitchell Platt. He was taken to the hospital after being shot, treated for a non-life-threatening injury, and then handed directly over to law enforcement.

But here’s what really struck me—deputies didn’t just find him lying there. They also found burglary tools near the bedroom area where he’d been lurking. That’s not someone who just wandered in by accident.

Platt has since been arrested and charged with:

• Burglary of an occupied dwelling
• Possession of burglary tools

It’s important you know: burglary of an occupied dwelling is a serious felony in Florida. The law treats it way differently than if a place is empty. When someone breaks into a home where people could be present, they’re seen as a direct threat.

That charge? It reflects how dangerous this situation really was.

This case isn’t the only one making headlines—a similar home invasion in Enfield also led to serious felony charges recently.

What Florida Law Says About Shooting an Intruder?

Now, let’s talk about what’s probably on your mind—“Was the shooter in trouble for pulling the trigger?”

It’s a fair question. Florida is one of the states that has Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws. These laws basically say: If someone breaks into your home, and you reasonably believe they’re going to hurt you, you have the legal right to defend yourself—even with deadly force.

In this case? The intruder charged at him. Not sneaked out. Not surrendered. Charged.

As per Florida Statute 776.013, the moment someone unlawfully enters a dwelling, the law presumes that the occupant is in danger. That means the burden isn’t on you to prove you were afraid—it’s already assumed.

So yes, the son was legally within his rights to fire that shot.

Still, every situation is unique. If you ever face something like this, make sure to:

• Call 911 immediately
• Avoid chasing the suspect
• Let law enforcement handle the aftermath

I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve covered dozens of self-defense stories—and this one fits cleanly into the legal boundaries Florida has set.

What Deputies Found at the Scene?

Here’s what stood out to me when I read the full reports—this wasn’t just a “guy caught in the wrong place.” According to investigators, burglary tools were found near the back bedroom where Platt was hiding.

That’s where it gets real.

You see, when deputies searched the house after securing the suspect, they found tools that burglars typically use—possibly a crowbar or lock picks. That confirms intent.

And this part matters: he didn’t break in through a window. The rear door was left open. Which means either he had access or the door was somehow unlocked or pried open without damage. That’s often how burglars try to avoid triggering alarms.

You and I both know—when someone enters quietly and carries tools with them, they’re there to do more than “look around.”

This wasn’t random. This was planned. And the shooter wasn’t just lucky—he was ready.

We’ve also covered other incidents involving coordinated attacks on homes—like this recent case in Washtenaw County, where suspects were arrested after a drive-by shooting.

Osceola Sheriff’s Office: What They’re Saying and Asking from You

What I appreciate about the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is that they’re not just closing the case and moving on. They’re actively asking you, the public, for more info.

Authorities want anyone who may have seen something suspicious or has more information about Mitchell Platt to call the non-emergency tip line at (407) 348-2222.

Look, this stuff doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Burglaries often follow a pattern, and suspects sometimes target multiple homes in one area.

If you live near Deer Run Road in St. Cloud—or anywhere nearby—you might have footage, Ring camera alerts, or even saw a guy lurking earlier that day.

One call from you could help piece together a timeline that makes the community safer.

And if nothing else—take this as a reminder to check your locks, set your alarms, and talk to your neighbors. Safety is a shared effort.

Stories like this often circulate quietly before they make the news. That’s why staying connected to local safety updates—like the ones shared on WhatsApp neighborhood alerts—can give you a real-time edge. I’ve personally come across several early reports through those.

Is Osceola County Facing a Rise in Home Burglaries?

You and I both know crime comes in waves—but lately, there’s been a rise in reports about break-ins across Central Florida.

A quick look at recent reports shows:

• A similar break-in case in Haines City where a homeowner shot an intruder
• Another attempted burglary in Merritt Island during the same July 4 weekend
• Deputies have repeatedly warned about seasonal spikes during holidays and summer breaks

And here’s the thing: these aren’t always high-profile cases. Some never make the news. But they still leave families shaken, doors damaged, and peace of mind gone.

What I’d suggest to you?

• Check your neighborhood’s recent crime stats
• If your area’s seen activity, consider joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch
• And don’t ignore little signs: an open gate, footprints near a window, a missing camera angle—these small things matter

Even inside our homes, tragedy can strike when we least expect it—like the heartbreaking case in Detroit where a toddler was hit by a stray bullet.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Burglary?

I hope none of us ever find ourselves in the same shoes as the man in this case—but if we do, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Here’s what law enforcement and safety experts often recommend:

• Call 911 first: Even if you’re armed, let the police know ASAP. Time matters.
• Don’t enter the house alone if something feels off: If you see an open door or broken window—back off. Get help.
• If you must confront, do it cautiously: Announce yourself loudly. Avoid rushing in. Know your exits.
• Have a flashlight, stay behind cover, and stay calm: This isn’t the movies. Real-life situations are messy, loud, and unpredictable.
• Secure your home now, not later: If this story made your stomach twist a little—that’s your gut telling you to upgrade your security setup. Cameras, reinforced locks, motion lights—they’re all worth it.

Because in the end, prevention is always safer than confrontation.

What would you have done in a situation like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d genuinely like to hear how others would react.

Final Thoughts

What happened in Osceola County was terrifying—but also a wake-up call.

I keep thinking about the split-second decisions the son had to make that night. One wrong move, and this story could’ve had a tragic ending. But instead, we’re talking about a man who stayed calm, defended his home, and helped police make an arrest.

If there’s one thing you can take away from this, it’s this: Be prepared. Be alert. And never ignore your instincts.

We don’t get to choose when danger shows up. But we can choose how ready we are when it does.

For more real stories that highlight home safety, legal rights, and neighborhood incidents, visit our website Build Like New and stay aware of what’s happening around you.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are involved in a self-defense or burglary-related situation, consult a licensed attorney or your local law enforcement agency. Details were sourced from publicly available news reports and may evolve as the investigation continues.