From a local CBS news Miami affiliate, a naked Floridian was arrested for burglary after he broke into a local home, defecated in the house and proceeded to go on a rampage…
Greg Bruni, 21 and naked was arrested near Fort Myers, Florida after local homeowners called the police. It appears that while the owners were at home, they heard a noise coming from their roof. When they went outside to investigate, they received the shock of their lives!
The suspect jumped naked from the roof into the man, knocking him into the ground. Mr. Bruni then rushed inside the house uninvited into the house and proceeded to commit a criminal mischief by tearing a television off the wall.
The knocked down victim yelled at his wife to grab their gun. The suspect ignored three shots being fired at him (all misses) and continued to rampage inside the house. The suspect then allegedly began to masturbate on the living room floor and continued his crime spree by repeatedly defecating throughout the house. Even more disturbingly, the Defendant ran into a child’s room, and committed battery on the child by rubbing his body on the minor’s clothing while it was being worn.
Police were, of course, called out where they found the suspect falling on the ground and speaking gibberish. They had to tase him multiple times to subdue him in order to make an arrest. He was taken to a nearby hospital where a full series of tests were done in order to determine if he was suffering from a mental defect and/or an illegal drug reaction.
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The Legal Aftermath?
What are the possible legal ramifications for the defendant? What are some realistic defenses? As a pinellas criminal defense lawyer, believe it or not, we have dealt with similar situations in the past through our practice!
The most serious charge this man is facing is a potential first degree felony, punishable by life! That charge is a burglary of an occupied dwelling, Florida statute 810.02(3). The statute reads in part as follows:
(b) For offenses committed after July 1, 2001, “burglary” means:
1. Entering a dwelling, a structure, or a conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the defendant is licensed or invited to enter; or 2. Notwithstanding a licensed or invited entry, remaining in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance:
a. Surreptitiously, with the intent to commit an offense therein;
b. After permission to remain therein has been withdrawn, with the intent to commit an offense therein; or c. To commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony, as defined in s. 776.08.
(2) Burglary is a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if, in the course of committing the offense, the offender:
(a) Makes an assault or battery upon any person; or (b) Is or becomes armed within the dwelling, structure, or conveyance, with explosives or a dangerous weapon
In this case, the man clearly entered into an occupied residence and committed multiple crimes (battery, criminal mischief, assault, etc). Even if the suspect was only charged with this one count, under the Florida criminal justice system, he would be scoring mandatory prison up to life, even if he has no prior crimes!
What are some possible defenses? While there are plenty, the most obvious one seems to be competence or mental problems that the Defendant may have that would leave him unable to understand the crime or understand what occurred.
In Pinellas county, when a suspect is considered possibly incompetent, the Court will order a mental evaluation (usually done by the experienced Dr. Jill Poorman). There is a series of tests and questions the suspect must answer. The purpose of these tests are to determine if the suspect is competent to stand trial. The next blog will go more into Florida statute 916.12 and what the state of Florida’s competentence standards.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for a burglary or a drug offense? Then call the experienced St. Petersburg drug lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors have handled 1000s of cases and can help you. Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handles all criminal offenses and car accident cases throughout the gulf coast of Florida including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole and Pinellas Park.
To speak directly with your St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney, call them at 727.286.6141 or click the contact button. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!