Police: Florida man chases down suspected burglar, shoots him

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(Photo: Miami-Dade Corrections)

MIAMI - A 28-year-old Florida man who chased an attempted burglar down the street and shot him with an assault-style rifle as he begged for his life has been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Corthoris Jenkins told investigators he was playing video games when the man burst into his Miami area apartment on Tuesday, the Miami Herald reported.

Instead of calling 911, police said Jenkins grabbed the gun and ran after the man, who fell to his knees.

“He begins to what appears to be to beg for his life,” Miami-Dade Detective Iry Watson told a judge on Wednesday afternoon. “But the defendant takes the assault rifle and shoots him multiple times.”

Xavier West, the suspected burglar, remained in the hospital on Friday, and detectives have not yet been able to talk to him.

Jenkins initially told investigators he “blacked out" and couldn't remember anything about the shooting, a police report said.

However, during the court hearing, Jenkins appeared to admit to the shooting. “I didn’t shoot him while he was on the ground,” he said, adding: “I’m the victim, ma’am.”

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer shook her head, the Herald reported.

“You’re the victim of a potential burglary, but you can’t just go around shooting people,” she said.

Police found eight bullet casings on the ground near West, the police report said. Officers found Jenkins walking away from the shooting scene, and he immediately gave up his gun, authorities said.

Prosecutor Khalil Quinan told the judge that surveillance video showed the shooting was premeditated. Glazer agreed.

“He had time for reflection as he’s pointing the gun as he’s begging on his knees. That’s premeditation,” the judge said.

A lawyer for Jenkins wasn't listed on court records.

Florida Crime and Public Safety