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JENSEN BEACH, FL — A local couple armed with a shotgun confronted a man with devil horn tattoos on his face as he attempted to enter their home late Tuesday night, helping to end a string of burglary attempts in their Jensen Beach apartment complex.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Jonathan Richards, was captured on home security footage attempting to open the front door of residents Lisa and Chris’s apartment on N.E. Ocean Boulevard. The video shows Richards, carrying several large bags, standing at their door before being scared off by the couple—Chris armed with a shotgun, and Lisa screaming in alarm.
“I see this scary devil looking in my window, and I screamed like a primal scream,” Lisa told WPBF 25 News, referring to the horn tattoos prominently inked on Richards’ forehead. Her husband quickly followed, weapon in hand, and the couple pursued Richards out of their home, prompting him to flee—leaving his boots behind.
While Richards fled from Lisa and Chris, he continued attempting to enter other apartments in the same community. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, another resident also confronted him with a firearm, but Richards simply moved on to other nearby units.
Deputies soon arrived on scene and witnessed Richards trying to access additional homes. After a brief foot chase, Richards surrendered when he realized he was being pursued by a K9 handler.
Richards had arrived in Florida just three days prior, according to law enforcement, and is a registered sex offender from Alabama who failed to register his status in Florida. Sheriff Budensiek said Richards has an extensive and violent criminal history across multiple states, including prior arrests for burglary, carjacking, drug possession, and aggravated battery.
Richards is currently being held at the Martin County Jail without bond and is facing charges of attempted occupied burglary, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and failure to register as a sex offender. Authorities are also asking local residents to be on the lookout for large camping-style backpacks Richards was seen carrying, which may contain stolen items.
Chris, who chose not to discharge his weapon during the encounter, said he was thankful it didn’t come to that. “I wouldn’t want to have that on my conscience. I’m very godly, and I’d rather just hit him in the head with the gun,” he said.
Lisa said she was previously unsure how she would respond in a home intrusion situation but was proud of her instincts: “I always said, what would I do? And you know what I would do? Exactly what I did — chase that guy around.”
This incident is a clear reminder that even the simplest oversights—like forgetting to lock your door—can have serious consequences. No matter how “safe” your neighborhood feels, crime can happen anywhere. Criminals often look for easy access, and an unlocked door is an open invitation. Make it a habit to double-check all doors and windows before going to bed. Personal safety starts with prevention, and something as simple as locking up can be one of your most effective defenses.
