Florida MMA Fighter Subdues Home Intruder to Protect Teen Nephew: ‘Just God and my hands’
WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA — A South Florida man used his mixed martial arts training to subdue a suspected intruder who entered his sister’s home, protecting his teenage nephew in what he described as a moment of instinct and faith.
Nephew Alerts Fighter to Intruder
Henny Rojas was asleep at his sister’s home Saturday morning when his nephew frantically woke him, warning that a stranger was inside the living room.
“I’m prepared. It’s not my first time; I don’t feel pain. Nothing,” Rojas said in an interview. “I don’t have guns; I wasn’t looking for a knife — just God and my hands, that’s it”.
MMA Training Put to the Test
Rojas, who has trained in mixed martial arts for about three years, immediately confronted the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Austin Carasani. Using his fighting skills, he overpowered Carasani and restrained him until police arrived.
Rojas’ sister, Patrizia Rojas, said she and her husband were in Miami at the time when their son called in terror, screaming that someone had broken into the house.
“He was screaming, ‘Mom, call police, someone has broken into the house,’” she recalled.
Suspect in Custody
Carasani appeared in court later that day with visible bruises and welts across his face from the confrontation. He told police he had been drinking at a local club and mistakenly entered the home while trying to reach a friend’s house.
The family said they had never seen Carasani before. He has since been charged with home invasion and remains in custody at the Broward County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
Fighter Reflects on Incident
Rojas said he was grateful to have been able to protect his nephew and his family, insisting he wouldn’t change how he handled the intruder.
“Protect your family,” he said. “There are a lot of crazy people who don’t believe in God, who are only looking for damage.”
The case has sparked local attention, with many praising Rojas for his quick action and composure in the face of danger.
Do you believe Rojas’ quick thinking sets an example for self-defense, or should intruders always be handled strictly by police? Share your opinion and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
