BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT — In Bloomfield on Thursday, a confrontation ensued following an attempted car burglary, leaving both a homeowner and the suspected thief injured. At around 5 a.m., police responded to Cottage Grove Circle due to reports of a car break-in and subsequent gunfire.
The homeowner reported that after confronting an individual breaking into his car, he fired a warning shot into the ground. In response, the intruder shot the homeowner in the arm before fleeing.
Both individuals sought medical attention, with the thief later identified as 23-year-old Yavier Ruiz-Valez, who had a gunshot wound to his face. A car, found near the hospital with evidence linking it to the crime scene, was seized.
Ruiz-Valez has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including assault with a firearm and burglary.
Confronting a car burglar, and especially waiting for him to go retrieve his own firearm, are frowned upon in the self-defense world. If you’re in a safe place, you’re good. If you’re confronting suspects, you can get shot just like this gentleman did.
Choose your battles.
