Ridgewood, Queens – Francisco Valerio, the owner of Franja Wine and Liquors, is currently facing charges that could lead to seven years of imprisonment. The charges stem from an incident where Valerio shot a would-be thief who, along with an accomplice, had been caught shoplifting and kicked off the premises.
The events unfolded on Monday around 7:40 p.m., as Valerio and another clerk discovered the two suspects attempting to steal liquor bottles from the store, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Surveillance footage shared with Fox News [1] reveals one of the suspects, dressed in red, trying to hide a bottle in his jacket.
As the confrontation moved outside, tensions escalated rapidly. The 20-year-old suspect, identified as Kevin Pullatasi, aggressively charged at the liquor store door, pushing it forcefully against the store worker. Shouting ensued between the two parties, with the store worker defending himself by waving his hand to deter Pullatasi’s advances. Notably, the store worker is Valerio’s brother.
Undeterred, Pullatasi momentarily retreated before dropping his bag and attacking the door once more. The footage captures Pullatasi attempting to kick and punch the store worker. At this critical moment, Valerio enters the scene, brandishing a firearm and attempting to pistol-whip Pullatasi. The situation quickly escalates, resulting in Valerio shooting Pullatasi, who collapses to the ground. Injured, Pullatasi then drags himself against a nearby car while Valerio approaches to check on him.
As a result of the incident, Valerio finds himself facing charges of assault in the second and third degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Authorities acknowledge that Valerio possesses a concealed carry permit, and the firearm was concealed in his rear waistband.
Alongside Pullatasi, who was treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound, Edwin Poaquiza also faces charges of petit larceny. Both suspects, residents of Brooklyn, are accused of stealing two bottles of liquor.
In response to the incident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz issued a statement affirming that all three defendants would be held accountable for their actions. Katz acknowledged that the shoplifters had targeted the store before, and after the stolen merchandise was recovered, both suspects were escorted out. However, upon leaving, Pullatasi physically attacked the store owner. Katz decried the ensuing shooting as reckless, emphasizing that it occurred on a public street in broad daylight.
However, Fernando Mateo, the founder and spokesperson for United Bodegas of America [3], criticized the decision to prosecute Valerio. Mateo argued that the store had been targeted multiple times previously by the perpetrators’ crew. Describing the incident as an act of self-defense, he stressed the importance of protecting businesses and communities, urging district attorneys to reconsider charging innocent victims of crimes.
Mateo also expressed concern about the constant challenges faced by business owners, including looting, shoplifting, assaults, and robberies. He criticized New York’s perceived leniency towards criminal behavior, pointing to bail reform as an area in need of change.
Defending Valerio’s character and reputation, Mateo highlighted that he is a licensed gun owner, married for 30 years, a Columbia graduate, and a respected member of the 83rd precinct community. Should Valerio be prosecuted, Mateo warned that he stands to lose everything he has worked hard for.
Support for Valerio extends beyond Mateo’s advocacy, with neighbors living near the store voicing their approval of Valerio’s actions. One neighbor, speaking to Fox 5, stated that Valerio had a permit to carry a firearm and was defending himself against the assault. They expressed the belief that Valerio should not face trouble for the incident, characterizing it as an accident.
The case now rests in the hands of District Attorney Melinda Katz, who will ultimately determine the future implications for Valerio. The outcome of this case has the potential to become a focal point in ongoing debates surrounding self-defense, crime, and the rights of business owners.