Officials: Florida man shoots off own finger, arrested after attempted first-degree murder

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - The Haines City Police Department says they are continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred Sunday evening in Haines City.

Officials say they received a 911 call from a homeowner around 5:45 p.m. Dec. 29, saying someone had been shot at their residence in the area of Tennessee Street.

When officers arrived on-scene, they said a 42-year-old Hispanic male was found inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds.

Haines City officers said they initiated lifesaving efforts to stabilize the man until he could be transported to a local hospital for medical care.

Although the man has serious injuries, police say he is expected to eventually recover.

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The department's Criminal Investigations Division says evidence suggests the suspect, 40-year-old Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, and his former domestic partner of more than 20 years were going through a difficult separation.

Throughout their separation, which occurred more than four months ago, officials said Mendieta Romero was sending messages to the woman, threatening violence and death, including a picture of him holding a firearm.

On Dec. 29, official reports show Mendieta Romero told the woman he would be coming to her residence.

Later that evening, Mendieta Romero knocked on the front door, but the occupants refused to answer, police say.

Officials state Mendieta Romero then walked to the back of the residence, removed a screen and entered through a window.

Once inside, Mendieta Romero confronted the woman and her new boyfriend, and a verbal argument ensued between Mendieta Romero and the boyfriend.

Police say Mendieta Romero then pulled out a gun and shot the boyfriend multiple times, although the woman was not injured.

Official reports show Mendieta Romero fired five shots, striking the boyfriend in the hand, chest and shoulder, as well as grazing his head. During the incident, Mendieta Romero also shot off his own ring finger.

Mendieta Romero then dropped the gun and ran from the residence, police say.

Officers from the Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to contain Mendieta Romero, and he was found hiding in trees within a mile of the incident.

The Haines City Police Department has charged Mendieta Romero with attempted first-degree murder.

Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, 40, was arrested for attempted first-degree murder.

Police say Mendieta Romero was also discovered to be in the country illegally and was a Honduran national.

A records check also revealed he had been trespassed from the victim’s residence by police on Nov. 27 and told not to return.

Officers say there were no documented reports of threats by Mendieta Romero toward the boyfriend or his ex-domestic partner prior to the incident.

"Reporting threats, especially in domestic situations, is crucial to preventing violence and saving lives," Police Chief Greg Goreck said in a prepared statement. "Often, the warning signs are there, but they go unreported out of fear, denial or uncertainty. We urge everyone to take threats seriously and to trust that by coming forward, you’re helping protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. We are very grateful that this situation wasn’t worse and that everyone is going to be okay. This is a reminder of how important it is to act quickly and decisively to prevent potential tragedies."

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