A home intruder in Hidalgo County, identified as 36-year-old Carlos Garcia, is regretting his decision to go after several children after their mother took action. Thinking he was attacking a defenseless mother and her little ones, the brute soon realized he had provoked the wrong mama bear.
The incident occurred in Edinburg just after 9 p.m. when the burglar made his way into a house on the 5500 block of Nardo Street. The suspect, who police identified as Garcia, broke into the abode through the garage. Fortunately, the family heard the thief as he entered, giving them time to hide.
The mother retreated to her bedroom with her children and quickly called the police. Instead of focusing his efforts on the possessions, Garcia pursued the family, attempting to break through the bedroom door. Fearing for her children, the mother grabbed her firearm and warned the intruder that she was armed. Unfortunately, he didn’t listen.
Authorities say the woman fired a single shot through her bedroom door, hitting Garcia in his left arm. Of course, one shot was all it took to deter the attacker, and he immediately fled the home moments before the police arrived.
“You have the right to defend yourself in your own home against an intruder,” Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said. “I imagine she was in fear of her life…so she did what she had to do, and we support her.”
Garcia managed to run 100 yards away into a field before officers caught up to him. He received emergency medical treatment and was later booked at the Hidalgo County Jail
Authorities confirmed that a warning isn’t required in cases of self-defense. They believe that the woman was protecting herself and her children from a threat, and it doesn’t appear that she will face charges.
“You don’t have to give notice, if someone’s breaking into your home you have the right to protect yourself and use deadly force, and you’re not going to have any problem with the sheriff of Hidalgo County,” Sheriff Guerra said.
The community has been incredibly supportive of the mother’s actions. She was praised online for using whatever means necessary to protect her children.
“To protect our children we will do whatever it takes,” one person wrote. “Good job, mom. Glad all of you are safe.”
“Good for her! Protecting herself and her children,” another wrote.
“Proud of you, mama, for not falling victim of this individual. Keep your babies safe,” another wrote.”
Police did not immediately announce which charges Garcia will face, but the community expressed hopes it wouldn’t be just a slap on the wrist.
Each day, law-abiding gun owners use firearms to protect themselves and others from criminal threats. While studies differ, guns are believed to be used up to 2.5 million times yearly to prevent crimes. Hundreds of thousands of Americans each year utilize their Second Amendment rights to stop home invasions alone.
If this mother was unarmed, there is no telling what may have happened to her and her children. Thanks to her familiarity with a firearm, she didn’t have to wait for the police to arrive to protect her precious family.
