Burglar Allegedly Tunnels Into Smoke Shop, Gets Shot By Business Owner

A break-in attempt at a smoke shop in Albuquerque was thwarted when the store owner, who had been sleeping in the store to prevent burglaries, shot the intruder dead.

According to KRQE, the Albuquerque Police Department arrived on the scene around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, responding to a shooting call. The store owner informed KOB 4 News of a prior burglary attempt before the store had even opened for business.

The owner had been awoken by a noise, discovering the intruder had tunneled through the wall, brandishing a large hammer and a chisel, according to KOB 4.

Fearing for his life, the owner warned the would-be burglar to leave or face being shot. However, as the burglar allegedly advanced, swinging the weapons, the owner opened fire. Police declared the suspect dead at the scene.

Investigators are treating the incident as a “justifiable homicide,” releasing the owner after questioning. The store owner reported to KOB 4 News that the hole had been boarded up and security cameras would be installed soon. The Albuquerque Police Department has yet to comment on the situation.