Bodega association demands Queens DA drop charges against store owner who shot would-be thief

The owner of a liquor store in New York City is facing charges of second and third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and weapons possession after shooting a would-be thief caught trying to steal booze.

United Bodegas of America has come out in defense of 53-year-old Francisco Valerio, calling on Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to drop the charges.

"We are threatened, robbed, assaulted and looted every day, and the bad guys get away with it,” UBA President Radahmes Rodriguez said in a statement, per the New York Post. "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."

"We are once again asking DA Melinda Katz to drop the charges," UBA spokesman Fernando Mateo added. "Mr. Valerio is an honorable man in society, this should not change his life."

Katz has maintained that her decision to file charges against Valerio was justified.

"After the store was targeted by these shoplifters, the stolen merchandise was recovered, and the two men were escorted out of the store," she explained. "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."

Charges are pending against the alleged thief who was shot, Kevin Pullutasi. His friend, Edwin Paiquiza, also faces charges in connection with the incident.

As the Post reports, the incident took place around 7:45 pm on Monday at Franja Wines and Liquors on Wyckoff Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. After confronting the suspects and retrieving the stolen merchandise, Valerio and his brother, Luis, led them out of the store. 

As the 20-year-olds began walking away, however, one of the Valerios said something and Pullutasi came running back, punching and kicking them in the doorway.

Valerio went to hit Pullutasi with a right hook, when his gun went off and a bullet struck him in the stomach.

If convicted, Valerio faces up to seven years in prison.