(Rightallegiance.com) – A New York City liquor store owner is facing up to seven years in prison after a video shows him shooting a would-be thief. This has led to a public outcry from the head of a large bodega organization, who is urging prosecutors to drop the charges.
Francisco Valerio, 53, owns Franja Wine and Liquors in Ridgewood, Queens. On Monday evening around 7:40 p.m., Valerio and another clerk caught two shoplifters stealing liquor bottles. They managed to kick the thieves out of the store. Video footage shared with Fox News Digital shows one suspect, dressed in red, trying to hide a liquor bottle in his jacket.
Things escalated outside the store when 20-year-old Kevin Pullatasi charged at the door. He pushed the door against the store worker, Valerio’s brother, leading to a shouting match. Pullatasi walked away but then returned, trying to kick and punch the store worker. At this point, Valerio appeared in the video, attempting to pistol-whip Pullatasi, who then fell to the ground after being shot. Pullatasi dragged himself to a car, and Valerio checked on him.
Valerio now faces 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 confirmed that Valerio has a concealed carry permit, and the gun was hidden in his waistband.
Pullatasi, who was treated for a gunshot wound, was charged with petit larceny, along with Edwin Poaquiza. Both suspects live in Brooklyn and are accused of stealing two bottles of liquor.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commented, “All three of the defendants in this incident will have to answer charges against them. After the store was targeted by these shoplifters, the stolen merchandise was recovered, and the two men were escorted out of the store. At that point, the store owner was physically attacked by one of the men. Unfortunately, as alleged, that led to a reckless shooting by the store owner on a public street in broad daylight.”
Fernando Mateo, the founder and spokesperson for United Bodegas of America, criticized the decision to prosecute Valerio. He said that the perpetrators’ crew had targeted the store at least four times before. “Frequent flier thieves must be stopped, we have the right to defend ourselves, our businesses, and our communities,” Mateo told Fox News Digital. “District attorneys must stop prosecuting victims and charging criminals when they commit crimes.”
Mateo highlighted the challenges business owners face, including looting, shoplifting, assaults, and robberies. He also criticized New York’s policies, like bail reform, which he believes are too lenient. “Francisco Valerio is a licensed gun owner, has been married for 30 years, has two children, and is a Columbia graduate. He is a liquor store owner and a member of the 83rd precinct community. He will lose everything he has worked for if prosecuted,” Mateo stated. “DA Melinda Katz is holding his future in her hands; she must drop the charges.”
Neighbors near the store voiced their support for Valerio. “He had a permit to carry it and they were assaulting him, and it was an accident. He shouldn’t be in trouble,” one neighbor told Fox 5.