Rio Rancho homeowner shoots suspected burglar during break-in

A homeowner in Rio Rancho shot a suspected burglar several times in the chest early Wednesday morning.

The shooting happened just before 2 a.m. in the 1000 block of Luz Del Sol.

The homeowner called Sandoval County Regional Dispatch to say a person who had broken into the home had been shot and had fled the scene.

Rio Rancho police say that moments before the call, another call was received by dispatch from Presbyterian Rust Hospital saying a man had been dropped off at the emergency room with gunshots to his chest.

Police went to the hospital and allegedly found evidence from the burglary still on the suspect’s person.

He was flown to UNM Hospital for his gunshot wounds. He survived the shooting, but police have not been able to identify him yet.

Rio Rancho police say the investigation remains ongoing and that the homeowner is not facing charges at this time.

But the situation begs the question: what would you do in that scenario?

KOB 4 spoke to a concealed-carry instructor who says you have a lot to think about before you pull the trigger.

“Ability is do they have a weapon?  Opportunity: can they use that weapon?  Imminent jeopardy is imminent jeopardy of death or great bodily harm, and then, preclusion:  what did you do to exhaust all other opportunities before using deadly force?” Steven Martinez said.  “If you can avoid the situation, get out.  If you’re by yourself and you have the back door behind you and you can get out, then get out.  If you have your family inside the home, be prepared to do something to protect yourself and your family.”

Martinez also says you never shoot for your property.  He says New Mexico doesn’t really have a clear-cut “Stand Your Ground” law.  Each incident is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.