HENDRY COUNTY, FL – In a bold act of self-defense, a Hendry County homeowner and their relatives detained a suspect during an alleged burglary at a residence on Phillips Road this Monday. The incident, which unfolded around 3 p.m., prompted an urgent response from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.

According to local new media, deputies found one of the homeowner’s relatives holding a man, later identified as 30-year-old Isai Obed Vazquez, at gunpoint behind the house. Vazquez was quickly taken into custody and subsequently charged with burglary of dwelling, grand theft, criminal mischief amounting to over $1,000, and an outstanding warrant from Lee County. He is currently held at Hendry County Jail without bond.

The drama began when relatives, visiting the property to check on it, discovered the front door ajar and heard voices from the back. Approaching the rear, they came upon two men and a woman loading metal siding and other items into a truck and trailer. While one suspect was detained, the other two fled into nearby woods, prompting a search by sheriff’s deputies with K9 units.

Tools and cutting equipment were found scattered around the scene, suggesting a hurried attempt to strip valuable materials from the property. The search for the two fleeing suspects is ongoing, with efforts to positively identify them underway.

This incident highlights the risks homeowners and their protectors face when confronting suspects directly. In this case, the decision to intervene prevented further loss but also exposed the individuals to potential danger. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and asks anyone with information to come forward.