Audio By Carbonatix
In terms of effectiveness, ramming a front-end loader into a rental trailer home is certainly a good way to evict your tenants. In terms of legality, not so much. Especially if there are children in the trailer.
John Miller has been renting a mobile home near Apopka for about four months to Michelle Valdez, 23. She paid $150 a week to live there with her three children, brother, and sister-in-law.
Valdez was up to date on her rent, but according to the Orlando Sentinel, Miller had become upset over her use of a table at a yard sale. Obviously that’s certainly something to become irate about.
Valdez was paid up until December 1 and had planned to stay until then, but Miller had other ideas.
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
On Tuesday, Miller rammed a yellow front-end loader into the trailer.
“Miller drove the front-end loader into the right, front side of the trailer as Michelle and Bonnie [Peach] screamed for him to stop and telling him the children were inside,” reads the arrest report.
Four children ages 10 to 14 were inside. Only the 14-year-old was able to escape before the attack. The ramming caused the roof to collapse while the children were inside.
“Good, then I got what I wanted,” Miller told police. Miller also swore at police after they pointed a rifle at him.
Luckily, the children were unharmed.
Miller was arrested and now faces charges of attempted murder.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.