POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is investigating a shooting in the area of Tennessee Street within the city limits of Haines City.
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On Sunday, December 29, 2024, a 911 call was received from a homeowner stating someone had been shot at their residence. When officers arrived on the scene, a 42-year-old male was located inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds.
Haines City officers initiated lifesaving efforts to stabilize him until he could be transported to a local hospital for medical care. The victim suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover eventually.
With the assistance of Polk County Sheriff K-9 Reno and his handler, Deputy Sheriff Giles, the suspect was apprehended hiding in some trees within a mile of the incident location.
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Haines City Police have charged Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero with the following offenses: Attempted first-degree murder, Armed burglary with assault or battery, Written threats to kill or injure, Unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and Resisting an officer without violence.
Romero and his former domestic partner of over 20 years were going through a difficult separation. Throughout their separation, Mendieta Romero has been sending messages to his ex-domestic partner, threatening violence and death, including a picture of him holding a firearm.
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Later that evening, Mendieta Romero knocked on the front door, but the occupants refused to answer.
Mendieta Romero then walked to the back of the residence, removed a screen and entered the residence through a window.
Once inside, Mendieta Romero confronted the residents inside, his ex-domestic partner and her new boyfriend. A verbal altercation ensued between Mendieta Romero and his ex-partner’s new boyfriend, at which point Mendieta Romero pulled out a firearm and shot the male victim multiple times.
In all, Mendieta Romero fired five shots, striking the victim in the hand, chest, shoulder, and grazing his head. During the onslaught of rounds he was firing towards the victim, the suspect managed to shoot off his ring finger in the process.
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As a result, the suspect dropped the firearm and fled the residence on foot, leaving his vehicle behind.
Additionally, a records check revealed that the suspect had been trespassed from the victim’s residence by police on 11/27/24 and told not to return. There were no documented reports to the police of the threats by the suspect toward the victim or his ex-domestic partner before this incident.
Police Chief Greg Goreck stated, “Reporting threats, especially in domestic situations, is crucial to preventing violence and saving lives. The warning signs are often 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 will be okay. This situation is a reminder of how important it is to act quickly and decisively to prevent potential tragedies.”
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