A Queens liquor store owner was arrested after “accidentally” shooting one of two alleged robbers who entered his store Monday around 7:45 p.m.
The New York Post reported that two 20-year-old men, Kevin Pullutasi and Edwin Poaquiza, entered Franja Wines and Liquors and allegedly tried to steal some alcohol.
Fifty-three-year-old Francisco Valerio and his brother were able to force the suspects out of the business “but Pullutasi turned back around and the argument got physical.”
At this point, Valerio pulled a 9mm handgun, which he claimed he intended to use to pistol whip Pullutasi. However, Valerio ended up shooting Pullutasi in the stomach.
Valerio indicated “that he accidentally shot [Pullutasi],” according to prosecutors.
Gothamist reported that the two alleged robbers and Valerio were arrested, noting, “Valerio was also arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. Police officials said he is a licensed gun owner.”
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio, a pro-staffer for Pulsar Night Vision, and the director of global marketing for Lone Star Hunts. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and has a Ph.D. in Military History. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins. You can sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.