Intruder Fatally Shot By Armed Veteran During Early Morning Break-In Attempt

A Vietnam veteran in Albuquerque used his firearm in self-defense when an armed intruder attempted to break into his home. The intruder later died from the gunshot wound.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (3-minute read) — A Vietnam veteran’s recent nighttime ordeal in Albuquerque underscores the reality that self-defense can be a matter of life and death. Danny Ricketts awoke to find a knife-wielding intruder attempting to break into his apartment, leading to a confrontation that ended with the intruder fatally wounded.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning near San Mateo and Zuni. Ricketts, who lives with the residual effects of PTSD from his time in Vietnam, was jarred awake by the sound of his bedroom window being tampered with. When he looked towards the window, he saw a knife being worked under the sill, lifting the window as the intruder tried to gain entry.

Years of military experience and the anxiety stemming from his PTSD had prepared Ricketts for such a scenario. He keeps a firearm on his nightstand, ready for such emergencies. In the moment, Ricketts acted on instinct. He reached for his pistol, hidden under a hat, and shouted at the intruder to leave. With the intruder showing no sign of retreat, Ricketts fired a single shot.

The intruder, who remains unidentified by police, fled from the scene. Surveillance footage from a neighbor later confirmed the suspect’s flight down the street following the gunshot. However, the injuries were too severe, and the intruder was found dead a short distance away when police arrived.

Reflecting on the incident, Ricketts admitted that he initially thought he had missed the intruder. “I looked at the window and didn’t see any blood or bodies. I was kind of grateful,” he said, thinking that perhaps the situation had resolved without any fatal consequences. But as events unfolded, it became clear that his actions had been tragically effective.

The Albuquerque Police Department has stated that Ricketts is currently justified in his actions, given the circumstances. This incident is a reminder of the critical importance of being prepared for self-defense, especially for those who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, or other factors.

Situations like this emphasize the importance of responsible firearm ownership. Ricketts was legally within his rights to protect his home and his life. However, the emotional and psychological toll of such an event can be heavy. The incident serves as a powerful example of why homeowners should be knowledgeable about local laws regarding self-defense and firearm use.

Safety Tip: Always ensure that your firearm is easily accessible in case of an emergency, but also secure from unauthorized access, especially by children or others who may not be trained in firearm safety. Familiarize yourself with local laws on self-defense and home protection.