MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Police in Bradenton said a man is facing charges of possessing a gun after a deadly shooting on Sunday morning but police said the shooting itself was done in self-defense.
The Bradenton Police Office said Bruce Brooks, 35, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Police said Brooks and multiple witnesses at the scene said the 31-year-old victim was involved in a domestic argument outside of his home early Sunday morning, before 3:30 a.m., which escalated into the victim yelling at his neighbors.
Police said the victim armed himself with a machete, went to a neighboring yard, and approached Brooks, who was sleeping in the carport.
Police said that Brooks woke up, saw the victim armed with the machete, and shot him. He left the scene but later contacted authorities, police said.
According to Brooks and witnesses at the scene, the victim, a 31-year-old man, was involved in a domestic argument outside his home which led to him arming himself with a machete and approaching Brooks, who was sleeping in a neighboring carport.
Police said the shooting was done in self-defense.
Authorities did not name the victim due to Marsy's Law.
