A mom from Texas successfully chased off a burglary suspect after locking herself and her kids in a bedroom and opening fire on the man.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra commended the mother for protecting both her family and home, telling KRGV that you have the right to defend yourself in your own home against an intruder. He added that he imagined she was in fear of her life, so she did what she had to do, and they support her.
Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, of an active burglary happening in rural Edinburg. Authorities said that the unidentified homeowner had locked herself and her kids in a bedroom in their home after a suspect identified as Carlos Garcia broke into the residence through the garage.
Mom shoots suspect through the door
According to authorities, the 36-year-old suspect proceeded to try to break into the bedroom where the family hid themselves. The homeowner then warned Garcia that the cops had already been called and she had a gun in her possession, Fox News reported.
When the suspect refused to leave and continued to try to get into the family's bedroom, the homeowner decided to shoot once through the door. That was the moment Garcia fled the house, according to a Facebook post by the sheriff's office regarding the burglary.
Authorities launched a search of the area following the attempted burglary and found the suspect about 100 yards away from the home injured. Garcia had a gunshot wound to the left arm when found by police. The sheriff's office said on Facebook that he was medically cleared soon after. Garcia was then booked into the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center for the charge of Burglary of Habitation with Intent.
Sheriff and netizens laud mom's actions in protecting her family
Guerra added in his comments that you don't have to give notice if someone is breaking into your home. He said that you have the right to protect yourself and use deadly force, and you are not going to have any problem with the sheriff of Hidalgo County.
Guerra was not the only one who commended the mom's actions as netizens also gave her support for shooting the suspect during the burglary. Araceli Rodriguez said that she did a good job protecting her children and she is glad they are all safe.
Andrea Escobar echoed the same sentiment, saying it was good that she protected her own children. Ana Garcia De Hoyos told the mom that she is proud of her for not falling victim to the individual. She concluded her message by writing to keep her babies safe.
According to an update from the sheriff's office, Garcia's bond was set at $750,000 and he is expected to be arraigned on Thursday morning, WFIN reported.
