House invader shot by homeowner was ‘disoriented,’ with history of mental issues, police say

UPDATED at noon with new details

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A man suffering from mental health issues was shot and killed by a neighbor who saw him breaking into his home, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.

The family of 29-year-old Aaron Pischer called 911 shortly after 11 p.m., telling deputies Pischer had experienced recent mental health issues and appeared disoriented. Pischer left his home, in the 4000 block of 47th Street, just moments prior to deputies’ arrival, authorities said.

As deputies were attempting to locate Pischer, 911 dispatchers received a 911 call from a homeowner saying Pischer attempted to break into his home, and the homeowner reportedly shot him in self-defense.

The neighbor in this case has opted into privacy rights afforded by Marsy’s Law and as such, his identity is confidential at this time.

Pischer has one prior arrest in Sarasota County, for theft, in 2018.

The investigation is continuing and no additional updates are expected today, deputies say.

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