LC Man Says He Was Within His Rights To Protect His Property

LAS CRUCES, Nm. – A Las Cruces man says he was just protecting his property.

The Doa Ana County sheriff’s office arrested a teenager they say was prowling around a neighborhood in the Mesa area last night.One homeowner, who does have a license to carry a weapon,fired his handgun at the ground after he saw the teenrunning from his property.

Sheriff’s officials tell ABC-7 they were investigating to find if the homeowner had a reason to shoot his gun.If he didn’t, they say he could face charges of aggravated assault.

But Doa Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez says that isn’t likely:

“A crime was not committed. And the reason it was not committed is because the juvenile was stopped by the individual firing a warning shot, not in the direction of the juvenile.”

Police recommendthat residentsstay insidetheir home and call police if suspicious activity is seenontheir property.