A liquor store owner in New York City is facing potential jail time after a video captured him shooting a would-be thief who had been kicked out of his store along with an accomplice. The incident took place at Franja Wine and Liquors in Ridgewood, Queens, owned by Francisco Valerio, 53.
The events unfolded when Valerio caught two shoplifters attempting to steal liquor bottles from his store. With the help of another clerk, Valerio escorted the suspects out of the premises. However, the situation escalated outside the store when one of the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Kevin Pullatasi, charged at the store door and engaged in a physical altercation with the store worker.
Valerio, who is reported to have a concealed carry permit, then appeared in the video attempting to intervene by pistol-whipping Pullatasi, resulting in the suspect being shot. Pullatasi was later treated for a gunshot wound in the hospital, along with his accomplice, Edwin Poaquiza, both of whom were charged with petit larceny for stealing two bottles of liquor.
Valerio, on the other hand, is facing charges of assault in the second and third degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. The Queens District Attorney's Office stated that the shooting occurred on a public street in broad daylight and deemed it a reckless act.
The decision to prosecute Valerio has sparked controversy, with Fernando Mateo, the founder of United Bodegas of America, calling for the charges to be dropped. Mateo argued that Valerio was defending himself, his business, and his community against repeat offenders who had targeted the store multiple times before.
Despite the support from some neighbors who believe Valerio was justified in his actions, District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized that all parties involved would have to answer to the charges against them. The case has raised questions about self-defense, gun ownership, and the legal boundaries of protecting one's property in New York City.
