Update: New details in the case of an armed Harrisburg City Councilman who stopped a would-be-burglar in the act. With a gun drawn, Councilman Ralph Rodriguez engaged the suspect early Saturday morning.
Ring Doorbell video alerted Rodriguez to the potential burglar at his business, All You Can Inc., in the 2200 block of Berryhill Street. Rodriguez rushed over to the building with a gun drawn and chased off the man.
Late Sunday night, the suspect reached out to the Councilman to turn himself in and get help.
“It's not typical. It's good that the person of interest reached out to the Councilman, and they had a good conversation and a mature dialogue to what happened and what not,” said Lt. Kyle Gautsch of the Harrisburg Police Department.
Apparently the 22-year-old suspect was down on his luck and was looking for help.
Charges are still possible in the case.
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A harrowing story that had everyone involved on edge, one Harrisburg councilman discusses the shocking incident that lead to him having to pull a gun on a potential burglar.
In a video that has quickly circulated the web, Councilman Ralph Rodriguez is seen pulling a gun on the would-be thief.
"I really thought my life is in jeopardy. I just thought I was coming to help someone that needed resources," says Rodriguez.
Early Saturday morning, Rodriguez, at home having a late meal with family when ring doorbell video catches his eye.
"Unfortunately, it's something you never want to see," says Rodriguez.
A man wearing a mask, dressed in black, wearing plastic gloves; attempting to break into Rodriguez’s business All You Can Inc. Just a short few blocks away, Rodriguez and his wife speed over to the 2200 block of Berryhill St. to check out the situation.
"We heard a large bang a few seconds after that, which was startling."
Using years of firearms training, Rodriguez, pulling out his gun. even engaging the suspect. imploring him to surrender.
"There was no need for harm. There's no such thing as warning shots. If your life is at risk, you have to defend your life," expressed Rodriguez.
Luckily, the suspect took off. In just the matter of moments, after a brief chase, the suspect was gone. No one is hurt, but nerves certainly rattled.
"I just act the best I can. No human being is perfect. I feel like for the circumstances, things were held down well."
"Some people might ask, why engage, especially with a firearm. Why make that attempt, instead of calling the police and waiting?" says CBS 21 News' Michael Gorsegner.
"There's no way I could've turn around and run and potentially put my life in my life and my wife's life in danger. Because once I said, can I help you, I could've been shot."
Late last night, Councilman Rodriguez called CBS 21 News, saying he made contact with the individual, who was looking to turn himself into police and get help.
A Harrisburg City spokesperson says that "this is an active police investigation."