ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Following a harrowing incident where a grandmother shot an auto theft suspect to protect herself and her 4-year-old granddaughter, new details have emerged, including an exclusive interview with the grandmother and footage from the security camera.
Anissa Tinnin, 49, was at home watching Taylor Swift’s “Eras” concert film with her granddaughter when the suspect, previously identified as Rivera, forcibly entered her home. This event followed an initial encounter where Rivera demanded car keys after a police chase involving a stolen vehicle ended near Tinnin’s residence.
In the new interview, Tinnin recounted the terror of the night. “He told me that he would kill myself and my granddaughter if I didn’t do what he wanted me to do,” she told Inside Edition. Despite the immense fear, Tinnin managed to call 911 and protect her granddaughter by locking her safely away.
The security footage shows the critical moments when Rivera returned to the house, contradicting his earlier departure after the first confrontation. Armed and determined to protect her family, Tinnin warned Rivera before ultimately shooting him in the abdomen as he advanced towards her, despite her warnings.
Rivera, who is hospitalized and faces charges of burglary, attempted burglary, and auto theft, has a criminal history involving possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs. His aggressive return to the home after Tinnin’s initial compliance highlights the unpredictable nature of such intrusions and the necessity for decisive action in defense of personal safety.
Tinnin’s courageous response and the subsequent footage not only provide clarity to the incident but also serve as a potent reminder of the dangers individuals may face in their own homes. Her resolve to protect her granddaughter at all costs reflects a poignant narrative of self-defense and maternal instinct, reinforced by the chilling video evidence.
As the community processes this dramatic episode, Tinnin’s actions are being hailed as an example of bravery and quick thinking under pressure. This update underscores the importance of preparedness and the right to defend oneself and one’s family in the face of immediate danger.
