A New York City liquor store owner is currently facing multiple charges, including second and third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and weapons possession, following an incident where he shot a suspected thief.
The incident occurred at his store, Franja Wines and Liquors, located on Wyckoff Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens.
The United Bodegas of America (UBA) has rallied behind the store owner, 53-year-old Francisco Valerio, urging Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to dismiss the charges. UBA President Radahmes Rodriguez, in a statement cited by the New York Post, expressed the organization's frustration over the treatment of store owners. "We are threatened, robbed, assaulted and looted every day, and the bad guys get away with it, Rodriguez said. "They are freed without bail and nothing ever happens to them. When we fight back, we are jailed and in some cases prosecuted. This must stop."
Fernando Mateo, a spokesman for UBA, echoed Rodriguez's sentiments, calling for Katz to drop the charges against Valerio. "Mr. Valerio is an honorable man in society, this should not change his life," Mateo stated.
However, Katz has defended her decision to press charges against Valerio. She explained that the store had been targeted by shoplifters, but the stolen merchandise was recovered and the suspects were escorted out. "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," Katz said.
The alleged thief who was shot, Kevin Pullutasi, is also facing charges related to the incident. His accomplice, Edwin Paiquiza, has been charged as well.
According to the New York Post, the incident unfolded around 7:45 pm on Monday. After Valerio and his brother, Luis, confronted the suspects and recovered the stolen goods, they escorted them out of the store. However, as the suspects, both in their 20s, started to leave, one of the Valerios said something that provoked Pullutasi to return, launching a physical attack on the brothers. In the ensuing scuffle, Valerio's gun discharged, hitting Pullutasi in the stomach.
If found guilty, Valerio could face up to seven years in prison.
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