Florida homeowner shot at pool cleaner who showed up unannounced at night, sheriff says

Francisco Guzman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
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A Florida homeowner shot a pool technician who showed up unannounced at night after the technician "made no effort to contact them," authorities said Monday.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a burglary in-progress on June 15 around 9 p.m. in Dunedin, Florida, after homeowner Jana Hocevar, 43, heard noises in the pool area, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Detectives said Hocevar saw an unknown male on the pool deck “who she did not recognize,” the sheriff’s office said. Hocevar, who became concerned because no one was supposed to be at their home at that time, notified her husband, Bradley, 57.

“Bradley yelled for the subject to get out and to go away several times,” the sheriff’s office said in the news release.

According to detectives, Karl Polek, a 33-year-old employee at Bay Area Pool Techs, arrived to service the pool.

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Homeowner fired several rounds towards pool area

A pool technician, who showed up unannounced at night, was shot by a Florida homeowner, authorities said.
A pool technician, who showed up unannounced at night, was shot by a Florida homeowner, authorities said.

Detectives said Bradley Hocevar grabbed a rifle from the bedroom after the couple continued to hear noises and saw a flashlight coming towards their door. Fearful for their safety, Bradley fired two rounds from his rifle and then fired several more rounds toward the pool area.

“Shrapnel from the bullet and glass struck Polek, who fled from the lanai area,” the sheriff’s office said.

Polek was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, the sheriff's office said. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said Bradley Hocevar was acting within the law when he fired his weapon.

“In hindsight, he should have probably let them know he was coming at 9 o’clock at night, yet he made no effort to contact them at all,” Gualtieri said in the release.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida pool cleaner shot at by homeowner after showing up unannounced