Man shoots off his own finger while shooting ex’s new boyfriend, Florida cops say

A man broke into his ex’s home in Florida and shot her new boyfriend multiple times until he accidentally shot off his own ring finger, authorities said.

Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, 40, fled the home but was later found by a K-9 and arrested on charges of 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, the Haines City Police Department said Dec. 30.

Mendieta Romero broke up with his domestic partner of 20 years earlier in the year, then began sending her messages “threatening violence and death,” police said.

He went to his ex’s home Nov. 27 and was instructed not to come back, but about a month later, he contacted her to say he was coming over, according to police.

On the evening of Dec. 29, he drove to her home while her new boyfriend was there and knocked on the door, but they didn’t let him in, police said.

He went around the back, took the screen off a window and climbed inside, according to police.

Mendieta Romero confronted his ex and her boyfriend, then he’s accused of pulling out a gun and shooting the boyfriend multiple times, hitting him in the chest, shoulder and hand, as well as grazing his head, according to police.

While firing the weapon, Mendieta Romero shot off his own finger, police said.

He dropped the gun and ran away on foot, leaving his vehicle parked there, according to police.

Multiple law enforcement agencies worked together to find Mendieta Romero until eventually a K-9 tracked him down hiding in the trees less than a mile from the home, police said.

First responders said they took the boyfriend to a hospital, where he’s expected to recover from “serious” injuries.

Haines City is about a 40-mile drive southwest from Orlando.

This story was originally published December 30, 2024 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Man shoots off his own finger while shooting ex’s new boyfriend, Florida cops say."