The homeowner claims that he heard a knock around 7:30 at night, according to KOB 4. When he looked outside he recognized the pair, so he opened the door. However, the pair, a man and a woman, had a bat and an knife, and said they wanted money. Then, they tried to push into the home, so the homeowner grabbed a gun stored nearby and fired. The pair, identified as Stephen Benevides and Brittany Torres, fled, and the resident called police.
When police arrived, they found both collapsed about 75 yards away from the home, suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel transported both to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Later, officers booked Benevides into the Valencia County Detention Center. Torres will be charged once she is released. Both are facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated burglary, assault and conspiracy. Police are still investigating. They have not charged the homeowner.
Door Care For the New Mexico Resident
While this case might not be a complete example, care should be used when answering the door. The homeowner recognized the people at his door, so he opened it. However, he should have paid more attention to the people knocking. This is where situational awareness is so important. He could have looked and seen the weapons in their hands and realized this wasn’t a social call.
One of the best ways to handle this type of situation is to talk through the door, at least until intentions become clear. One thing this man did completely correct was having access to a means of self defense. The reports made it sound as if he keeps a gun near his door, a decent option if only adults live in the house. In any case, care should be used when answering the door, especially considering today’s technology. Very seldom do friends just show up; they text or call.
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