A New York City liquor store owner who was caught on video shooting and killing a would-be thief who was chased out of his store with an accomplice could face seven years in prison, but the head of a major liquor retailer is urging prosecutors to drop the charges.
Francisco Valerio, 53, owner of Franja Wine & Liquors in Ridgewood, Queens, caught two shoplifters stealing liquor bottles in his store around 7:40 p.m. Monday and chased them out of the store with the help of another store employee, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Footage from inside the store obtained by Fox News Digital shows one of the suspects, dressed in red, trying to stuff the liquor bottles into his jacket.
The situation outside then turned violent as the suspect, 20-year-old Kevin Prataci, stormed through the door of the liquor store, pushing it at the store clerk, who fought back by waving his hands, sparking a shouting exchange, the video shows. The clerk is the store owner’s brother.
Pratasi then walks away, drops her bag and charges at the door again. The video shows Pratasi attempting to kick and punch the store clerk.
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New York City liquor store owner Francisco Valerio faces up to seven years in prison after he was seen on video shooting and killing would-be thieves (left), one of whom is seen trying to steal a bottle of liquor (right). (United Bodegas of America)
Then the store owner, Mr. Valerio, appears on video and is seen trying to pistol-whip Mr. Pratasci, who is shot and falls to the ground, before dragging himself to his car before Mr. Valerio goes to check on him.
Valerio was charged with second- and third-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The DA’s office said Valerio had a concealed concealed handgun license and the gun was concealed in his waistband behind his back.
Pratasi, who was treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound, was charged with petty theft, as was Edwin Poakisa, both of whom have Brooklyn addresses, and prosecutors say the pair stole two bottles of liquor.
“All three defendants in this case must answer the charges against them,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement.
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Valerio goes to check on the potential thief. (United Bodegas of America)
“After the shoplifters targeted the store, the stolen merchandise was recovered and the two men were escorted from the store. At that point, the store owner was physically attacked by one of the men. Unfortunately, as alleged, this led to the store owner recklessly firing a gun in broad daylight on a public roadway.”
The decision to prosecute Valerio was condemned by the group’s founder and spokesman, Fernando Mateo. United Bodegas of AmericaHe said the group had targeted the store at least four times before.
“Mileage thieves must be stopped. We have the right to protect ourselves, our businesses and our communities,” Mateo told Fox News Digital via statement. “District attorneys must stop prosecuting those who commit crimes and stop prosecuting the victims.”
Mateo said shopkeepers deal with crimes like looting, shoplifting, assault and robbery all the time, and he also harshly criticized New York’s policies, such as bail reform, that are often seen as soft on crime and called for changes.
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The suspect kicks in the store door (left) and two people stand outside the store (right). (United Bodegas of America)
“Francisco Valerio is a licensed concealer, has been married for 30 years, has two children and is a graduate of Columbia University. He is a liquor store owner and a member of the community of the 83rd Precinct. If indicted, he will lose everything he has worked for and achieved,” Mateo said.
“District Attorney Malinda Katz holds his future in her hands. She must drop the charges.”
Neighbors who live near the store said they support Valerio’s actions.
“He had a carry permit and they attacked him. It was an accident. He shouldn’t have any problems,” one neighbor said. Fox 5.
