Kevin Pullatasi : Queens Liquor Store Shooting: Accused Owner’s Self-Defense

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Queens liquor store shooting
2. Self-defense in liquor store shooting

In New York, a liquor store owner in Queens is facing felony charges for shooting a man he believed was trying to rob his store. The incident, captured on surveillance video, shows the confrontation between the owner, Francisco Valerio, and the alleged robbers, Edwin Poaquiza and Kevin Pullatasi. While Valerio claims the shooting was an accident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the shooting was reckless and led to three people being charged. Despite the controversy, friends and family of Valerio have come to his defense, emphasizing his good character and the potential consequences of a felony conviction. Valerio, who holds a conceal-carry permit, awaits his court hearing later this month.

NEW YORK — A liquor store proprietor in Queens is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting a man he believed was attempting to rob his establishment. The incident took place on Wyckoff Avenue, a bustling street in the heart of the borough.

The charges against the store owner have sparked controversy, with some arguing that he was acting in self-defense and that the shooting was accidental. Surveillance footage captured the moment when two men, identified as Edwin Poaquiza and Kevin Pullatasi, entered Francisco Valerio’s liquor store. Valerio confronted Pullatasi off-camera, accusing him of theft, while Poaquiza attempted to conceal a bottle in his jacket, only to be reprimanded by a customer.

After being kicked out of the store, the altercation spilled onto the street, where heated words were exchanged. Pullatasi, in a fit of rage, rushed towards the door, prompting Valerio to defend himself by striking him with his firearm. Unfortunately, the gun discharged, and Pullutasi sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Valerio later claimed that the shooting was accidental.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement in response to the incident, stating, “Two crimes resulted in three people being charged. The store owner was physically attacked by one of the men. Unfortunately, as alleged, that led to a reckless shooting by the store owner on a public street in broad daylight.”

Despite the charges, friends and family of Valerio have come to his defense, emphasizing that he was facing a threatening situation and acted in self-defense. Johnny Nunez, a family friend, stated, “It’s all based on the perspective of the person involved. Only Frank knows the circumstances he was facing. We have one crime here – they were stealing. Frank did not commit a crime.”

The potential consequences of a felony conviction weigh heavily on Valerio and his loved ones. Losing his liquor store, a business he has owned for many years, would be devastating. His wife, Jael Valerio, expressed disbelief at the possibility of losing their livelihood over a single incident. The uncertainty and stress of the situation have taken a toll on the family.

Valerio, who holds a conceal-carry permit, did not have bail set during his initial court appearance. He was notably absent from a press conference held on Wednesday evening, and he is scheduled to appear in court later this month. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, leaving Valerio and his family in a state of limbo as they navigate the legal process.