The Shelby County, Tennesee Sheriff’s Office last week charged Victor Rodriguez, 40, after he got into a shoot-out with a group of men who were attempting to steal his van outside of his home, Fox 13 Memphis reported.
Rodriguez was charged with felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon for which he could face up to six years in prison.
Rodriguez and his family were home asleep on May 13 when around two in the morning, they were alerted by their home security system of the attempted vehicle theft.
Surveillance video from the Rodriguez home showed several men lurking around the cars outside of Rodriguez’s home. The suspects allegedly used tools and a key fob programmer to attempt to break into a van.
After being alerted to the thieves’ presence, Rodriguez went outside to confront them. One of the suspects opened fire at Rodriguez who was standing on the porch. The suspects retreated behind a vehicle and more shots were fired at Rodriguez who then fired three shots at the suspects.
At this point, the suspects fired a barrage of bullets at Rodriguez who fired around four more times. The thieves then retreated to their vehicle where one of them fired again at Rodriguez before they fled. In total, deputies found at least 28 shell casings at the scene.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Rodriguez told the responding deputies that he was unable to see where he was shooting since the suspects’ vehicle was behind the van. He also admitted to closing his eyes while firing as the suspects retreated to their vehicle because he was frightened.
Rodriguez’s wife told Fox 13 that when Sheriff’s deputies spoke with her husband, it appeared that they were “trying to find ways to charge him.” Mrs. Rodriguez said she didn’t understand why the deputies would be pressuring the victim rather than looking for the suspects.
Mrs. Rodriguez added that while the suspects are “probably sleeping or partying,” her husband was sitting in jail when he is innocent.
