Posted on 06/30/2023 9:17:12 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Here’s an interesting story that might make you think – especially if you’re an advocate for Second Amendment rights and gun ownership. This case highlights an incident in which a man was forced to use a firearm to defend himself and his property. But the way the incident played out is instructive in that it gives us a chance to consider how we might react in a similar situation.
A La Puebla resident earlier this week apprehended a suspected burglar who was attempting to steal his tools, holding him at gunpoint after a brief struggle until law enforcement arrived. The alleged intruder, Edward Montoya, was arrested and faces charges of aggravated burglary and aggravated battery, adding to his extensive criminal history.
Here’s how it went down:
A La Puebla man told Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies he prevented a suspected burglar from making off with his tools Friday — and then he stopped the alleged intruder from escaping.
…
Meyer said he found Montoya in his garage Friday evening after hearing his dogs barking and noticing an unfamiliar car in his driveway, according to the report.
Meyer armed himself with a handgun and went into his garage, where he found Montoya holding his tool box and drill, the report states. Montoya dropped the items and offered to “just leave” before attempting to run away, according to the report.
Meyer chased Montoya during the incident and the two had a “small scuffle,” the report states. Meyer dialed 911 and then dropped his phone amid the pursuit.
Montoya is accused of biting Meyer on the arm, the report states, adding Meyer pulled out his gun and fired a warning shot at a berm (flat piece of land) while yelling for help.
While speaking with law enforcement, Montoya claimed he approached Meyers’ home because he was having trouble with his vehicle and that he did not go into the garage until the homeowner demanded he do so.
Sounds like quite a harrowing experience, doesn’t it? While some might view Meyer’s actions as commendable and necessary to protect his property, others might raise concerns about the potential risks and legal implications involved. Let’s take a look, shall we?
On the one hand, by confronting the suspected burglar and preventing him from escaping with stolen tools, Meyer successfully protected his property. His actions demonstrated a willingness to defend his belongings, potentially discouraging future theft attempts. Moreover, it is our natural right to defend our lives and property when either is threatened.
Meyer’s quick response to the situation allowed him to confront the intruder and notify law enforcement promptly. This swift action increased the chances of capturing the suspect and potentially preventing further crimes in the area.
Meyer’s actions send a message to potential criminals that the community is vigilant and willing to defend their property. This can act as a deterrent and discourage future burglaries in the area. To be blunt: If a burglar knows you might be packing heat, he will think twice about breaking in.
It is worth considering Meyer’s risk to his own life. Confronting a suspected criminal carries inherent risks. In this case, Meyer engaged in a physical scuffle with the intruder after chasing him, which put him at risk of injury. It was after he was bitten that he fired the warning shot. Engaging with potentially dangerous individuals can escalate the situation and pose a threat to personal safety.
While Meyer’s intent may have been to protect his property, the use of force could raise legal concerns. Depending on the jurisdiction, the level of force used, and the circumstances surrounding the incident, individuals may face legal consequences for their actions, even if their intentions were well-meaning. In Meyer’s case, he did not shoot Montoya but only fired a warning shot at the ground. In some states, it is illegal to do this – but I wasn’t able to find any information on how New Mexico’s laws address this scenario. But it is something to think about, especially if you are not sure whether warning shots are legal in your state.
Confronting a criminal can potentially escalate the situation and lead to further violence. Meyer firing a warning shot and engaging in a physical altercation with the intruder could have heightened tensions and put both parties at risk of severe harm. New Mexico is a “stand your ground” state, so Meyer was not required to run away before using his firearm. Also, chasing Montoya down as he was running away could be an issue, but if Meyer had a genuine fear for his life – which could be understandable in this case, he may be safe.
If Meyer’s account of the altercation is accurate, then it is possible that he could have opened himself up to legal issues if he happens to live in an area where the district attorney is not in favor of self-defense. But given that he never shot or harmed Montoya, it is not definite that he would face charges.
Either way, this story illustrates the importance of knowing how one would behave in a similar situation. Would you chase the intruder or let the police handle it? What would you do?
Stealing tools is stealing a man’s livelihood. What SHOULD happen to the thief should be lingering.
Sounds like the homeowner was handling it the way he wanted to, he might be the type that likes a little dangerous physicality, and he had the pistol if needed.
I live in Texas. I have the legal right to use deadly force against an individual robbing my property. I will not use that right as the concept of killing a man or woman over property is not worth it. In Texas I have the total right of Castle Doctrine. I have the right of using deadly force against an intruder or one that is a threat to me on my property. I will use every skill I have to kill you. I am very adept with lethal weapons. I wish not to use them. I will use them in an instant to a mortal threat.
Concrete floor, should have just shot him.
You do not shoot people for talking your stuff. you shoot people trying to take your life or the life of loved ones and the life of people around you.
Not in Texas
Your stuff was purchased with a portion of your life.
No one should be compelled by goverent to meekly watch as a theif takes property.
Shoot the thieves and put their heads on a pike. Criminals are way too coddled. We use to hang people for thievery.
The MSM wants us to let criminals rob us or whatever they have planned. We can’t risk stopping them so we’ll just have to enable them.
And no, protecting yourself is NOT vigilantism, as much as the left would like to mislabel it and redefine it to be so to strip us of our right to defend ourselves and our property.
The left wants social chaos and mayhem. It’s a way they try to force people into giving them control in exchange for safety.
You are somewhat aptly named.
Fine, you roll over and let them destroy your life and livelihood.
What a garbage POV by this article’s sneaky author...
Should have shot to kill. Never shoot a warning shot.
Amen.
It wasn’t a warning shot, he just missed him.
Historically, plenty of people have been shot for larceny and robbery, and will probably remain so in the future.
If you don’t want to get shot, don’t be takin’ what’s not yours.
Taking a man’s tools is taking his lively hood.
Where I currently live, I wouldn’t shoot for theft, but if I lived in actual America, not Woke ass Commie land, I probably would, especially for my tools. Then again, I wouldn’t be worried about theft if I lived in actual America.
“ You do not shoot people for talking your stuff.”
In days gone by, that was certainly true. But now, government stands by and allows criminals to prey on citizens. People with an “extensive criminal record” should not be on the street, they should be on a prison work gang.
If someone broke into someone elses house, it is by default self defense.
Our county sheriff once told me, “If you feel you have to shoot him just drag one of his limbs over the threshold, that way there’s no questions.”
Tools are potential weapons. The homeowner would’ve been within his rights to ventilate the perp right there.
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