A New York City business owner could face up to seven years in prison after shooting a would-be thief who had been kicked off the premises along with an accomplice.
Francisco Valerio, 53, owner of Franja Wine and Liquors in Ridgewood, Queens, caught the two shoplifters stealing liquor bottles from the store and reportedly kicked them out with the help of another clerk.
The incident took a turn when 20-year-old suspect Kevin Pullatasi charged at the liquor store door.
Valerio appears in the video and can be seen trying to hit his weapon at Pullatasi after the suspect tried to kick and punch the store worker.
Valerio has been charged with assault in the second and third degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Pullatasi, who was treated in hospital for a gunshot wound, was also charged with petit larceny.
“All three of the defendants in this incident will have to answer charges against them,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
“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.”