ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A grandmother shot an auto theft suspect to protect herself and her 4-year-old grandson when the intruder twice broke into her home. The incident occurred Friday night in the city’s North Valley area.
The suspect faces charges of burglary, attempted burglary, and auto theft. He is currently hospitalized and will be booked into jail upon release. Rivera’s criminal record includes a July 2023 case involving possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs.
According to ABQJournal, the confrontation began when police attempted to stop a stolen truck, leading to a chase that ended with Rivera fleeing on foot into a residential area. A woman later called 911 to report she had shot a man who forcibly entered her home and demanded car keys.
The grandmother recounted to police that she encountered Rivera inside her home around 9:30 p.m. Initially, he appeared angry and insistent on avoiding jail, prompting her to give him keys from a kitchen bowl. Despite having the opportunity to arm herself, she hesitated, uncertain if he was also armed.
After arming herself and safeguarding her grandson in the bedroom, she found Rivera re-entered her home, demanding more keys. As he advanced towards her, despite her warnings to leave, she fired a single shot in fear for their lives.
Post-shooting, the grandmother attended to the wounded suspect’s injuries until the authorities arrived.
This incident not only illustrates the grandmother’s courage and quick thinking but also highlights the importance of being prepared to protect oneself and loved ones. It is a stark reminder that, while compassion in the aftermath is commendable, it’s advisable to maintain a safe distance from a wounded suspect and allow trained professionals to administer aid. The grandmother’s decisive action underlines the right and responsibility to self-defense in the face of immediate danger.
