Deputies say an Orlando man entered the family’s home, demanded vehicle keys and injured two residents with knives taken from their kitchen.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A mother and her son are recovering after authorities say a man entered their Brevard County home, demanded the keys to a vehicle and attacked them when the family refused.
The confrontation unfolded July 29 after 31-year-old Jadarius West of Orlando allegedly crashed through a chain-link fence leading into the property’s backyard, according to an arrest affidavit. Investigators said he entered through a sliding glass door on the back porch and began yelling at the people inside.
The residents told deputies that West demanded keys to a vehicle. When they did not give him the keys, he went into the kitchen and picked up two butcher knives, the affidavit said. Authorities allege he then injured the mother and her son during the confrontation.
The woman suffered a minor cut to her right palm, according to the affidavit. Deputies arriving at the home found her son holding a napkin against a cut beneath his ear. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials did not release further details about his condition, but the family later said both injured residents were recovering.
A third person who was inside the home was not cut during the confrontation. Deputies said that person fell while trying to get out of the residence. All three residents told investigators they feared for their lives during the encounter.
The mother later described the lasting effect of the intrusion, saying she no longer feels safe in her home. She said she raised her hands when the man turned toward her before she was cut on the hand.
Authorities said West went into the home’s primary bedroom and barricaded himself there before deputies took him into custody. The sheriff’s office said he eventually broke a window and surrendered at the scene.
West was taken to a medical center and medically cleared before he was booked into the Brevard County Jail. Authorities did not disclose why he required a medical evaluation.
Jail records listed several allegations against West, including armed burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and criminal mischief. He also faces allegations of driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of a crash. The charges are accusations, and his guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.
West remained jailed without bond as the mother and her son continued recovering. Authorities had not announced additional arrests or released further information about upcoming court proceedings.
Author note: Last updated August 4, 2026.