‘When We Fight Back We Are Jailed’: Locals Rally for Liquor Store Owner Who Faces 7 Years in Prison After Shooting Attempted Thief

The New York Post reported on Wednesday that bodega owners have decided to rally around a New York liquor store owner who is faced with seven years in prison for shooting an individual who attempted to rob him in a violent altercation that was captured on camera. The United Bodegas of America wants the charges against Francisco Valerio dropped.

"We are threatened, robbed, assaulted and looted every day, and the bad guys get away with it," President Radahmes Rodriguez said in a statement from the United Bodegas of America. "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."

The New York Post reported on Tuesday that Valerio was arrested after accidentally shooting a man who attempted to steal from him during a violent altercation. Authorities shared with The Post that Kevin Pullutasi and Edwin Poaquiza allegedly entered Franja Wines in the evening and tried to pilfer some liquor from the store. Francisco and his brother, Luis, confronted the two young men and kicked them out of the store. Surveillance footage shows the altercation got heated as Pullutasi and Poaquiza were ushered out of the store, and things got physical.

"Pullatasi then kicks both of them, strikes at them with his hands, and attempts to slam the door onto the defendant and his brother's hands," Queens Assistant District Attorney said, according to The Post.

The outlet reported that Valerio procured his "legally owned" gun, with the intent of pistol-whipping him but then accidentally shot him in the stomach. He called 911, and the young man was in critical condition as of Monday.

"Why should he be charged? It was self-defense," Valerio's neighbor, Carmen Navarro, said, per the New York Post.

Navarro went on to explain Valerio was an advocate of gun safety and said the gun was for protecting his liquor store. The United Bodegas of America hosted a press conference in front of Franja Wines and Valerio's wife pleaded with authorities to drop charges against the father of two.

"He's a good citizen," she explained. "A good husband, son, sibling an extraordinary father and he doesn't deserve this."

Valerio's next court date is July 29. The alleged thieves are faced with charges of petit larceny. Poaquiza could spend a year in jail, according to the outlet. Pullutazi faces charges after he recovers.

"It's been bad," Valerio's other brother, Miguel, said, according to the New York Post. "We have been dealing with these guys all the time. And all the time we ask them to leave. This time was different."

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