HAINES CITY, FL — In what can only be described as the most Florida Man move of the year, a Polk County resident took “shooting yourself in the foot” to a whole new level—by literally shooting off his own finger while allegedly trying to murder his ex’s new boyfriend.
The Plot Thickens (Along With His Finger Stump)
Meet Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, a 40-year-old man who apparently thought the best way to win back his ex was to break into her house, fire five shots at her new beau, and—in a stunning act of self-sabotage—accidentally blast off his own ring finger.
That’s right. While allegedly attempting first-degree murder, Mendieta Romero somehow managed to shoot himself in the process. Because nothing says “I’m a dangerous criminal” like losing a digit to your own gun.
The Drama Unfolds
According to police, Mendieta Romero had been harassing his ex for months, sending her threatening messages—including a charming photo of himself holding a gun (classy). But instead of taking the hint that she’d moved on, he decided to escalate things by breaking into her house through a window like a discount-rate action movie villain.
Once inside, he confronted his ex and her new boyfriend, leading to a heated argument—which, in Florida, is basically just small talk before the gunfire starts.
Mendieta Romero allegedly pulled out his gun and fired five shots, hitting the boyfriend in the hand, chest, shoulder, and even grazing his head (because why aim for just one body part when you can go for the full set?).
But in a twist that even Florida Man couldn’t have scripted, he also managed to shoot off his own ring finger. Maybe it was karma. Maybe it was terrible aim. Either way, it’s the kind of self-own that belongs in the Florida Hall of Fame.
The Great Escape (That Wasn’t)
After realizing he’d just performed amateur surgery on himself, Mendieta Romero dropped the gun and ran—only to be found hiding in some trees a mile away. Because nothing says “master criminal” like leaving behind your weapon and a trail of blood from your missing finger.
Police later discovered that he was in the country illegally and had already been trespassed from the victim’s home a month earlier. So not only was this a failed murder attempt, it was also a failed trespassing violation.
The Aftermath
The good news? The boyfriend survived (take that, Mendieta Romero). The bad news? Mendieta Romero is now facing attempted first-degree murder charges—and probably regretting his life choices every time he looks at his hand.
As Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck wisely put it: “Reporting threats is crucial to preventing violence.”
But let’s be real—if you’re the kind of guy who shoots off your own finger while trying to kill someone, maybe violence prevention isn’t your strong suit.
Moral of the story? If you’re going to commit a crime in Florida, at least practice your aim first.