Florida Felon With Kidnapping Past Fatally Shot After Confrontation With Armed Husband

Authorities have ruled that a Florida man acted in self-defense after he fatally shot a suspected kidnapper who allegedly followed his wife home in Bradenton on New Year’s Day, as reported by The New York Post.

According to Fox News affiliate WTVT-TV, citing the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident involved 36-year-old Nicholas Palomo, a convicted felon with a criminal history that included a prior prison sentence for kidnapping and other crimes.

Investigators said the incident began in the early hours of New Year’s Day when Palomo allegedly attempted to abduct a woman who was walking her dog in Bradenton, Florida.

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Detectives reported that Palomo approached the woman in his vehicle, prompting her to flee the area. She was able to escape and made it safely back to her home, where she alerted her husband about what had just occurred.

The guy died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the chest. https://t.co/KLlJjuYxq4

— Jerry Doshier (@Jerry_Doshier) January 23, 2026

After being warned by his wife, the husband went outside to confront Palomo, who was still in the area. According to detectives, Palomo began acting in a threatening manner during the encounter.

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Law enforcement officials said Palomo advanced toward the husband, escalating the situation.

That was when, according to police, the husband opened fire, striking Palomo. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 12:27 a.m. and found Palomo suffering from a gunshot wound.

Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Palomo was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy later determined that Palomo died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigators also revealed that Palomo had reportedly caused a disturbance earlier that night at a nearby Circle K.

According to the report, Palomo appeared to be under the influence of drugs during that incident, which occurred before the alleged abduction attempt.

Following a review of the case, the State Attorney’s Office determined that the homeowner’s actions met the legal standard for self-defense. As a result, no charges were filed against the husband.

The identities of the husband and wife have not been released. Authorities said their names were withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law, which protects the privacy rights of crime victims in Florida.

Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment regarding the incident.

The case remains closed, with law enforcement concluding that the shooting was justified under Florida law based on the circumstances presented to investigators.

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