AVON PARK, Fla. – A Highland County man is being celebrated for his bravery after a violent home invasion on Joe Hilton Street ended in the death of the intruder. The suspect, identified as 62-year-old Lindsey Glen, shot the homeowner’s wife, prompting the husband to take brutal and deadly action.
On Thursday night, around 8:30 p.m., the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a suspicious incident. When deputies arrived, they found both the 69-year-old husband and wife severely injured and the home invader stabbed to death inside the home.
According to Sheriff Paul Blackman, Glenn tricked his way into the house, possibly by pretending to need a document notarized, a common request as the wife often notarized documents for the community. Once inside, Glenn pulled out a gun and shot the unsuspecting elderly woman in the face.
Reacting to the horrific sight of his wife being shot, the husband grabbed a seven-inch garden knife and fought back. He repeatedly stabbed Glenn, who was found deceased by the time deputies arrived.
“Once armed with the knife, he [the homeowner] went to work on Mr. Lindsey Glenn,” Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “Ultimately, Glenn was cut to pieces and very much deceased by the time deputies could get to him.”
Sheriff Blackman praised the husband for his courage and quick thinking.
“I would like to commend the male victim for his bravery in defending his wife and their home,” Blackman stated. “If everyone defended their home and family in such a manner, we’d have much less crime in our area.”
Neighbor Tyris Godfrey, who lives across the street, recalled the terrifying moment the wounded wife stumbled onto his porch, bleeding and in distress. Godfrey’s wife immediately assisted her while they awaited the arrival of first responders.
“They are very loving people,” Godfrey said about his neighbors. “They do whatever they can for the community. They feed the community. They’re church people. He’s a mechanic. Everybody in the neighborhood speaks very highly of them.”
Sheriff Blackman revealed that Glenn had a long criminal history with at least 12 felony convictions, including robbery and burglary. He had been sent to state prison six times before.
The male homeowner was treated at a local hospital and released. His wife is currently recovering in stable condition at a trauma center. Sheriff Blackman confirmed that there are no plans to charge the husband for defending his home.
“We will pray for his wife that she has a fast and full recovery,” Blackman said.
The incident is still under investigation, but it stands as a sterling reminder of the importance of being prepared to defend one’s home and loved ones by any means necessary. TCB
