Homeowner thwarts would-be burglar's plans by shooting him in the chest

SAN ANTONIO — A suspected burglar was shot in the chest Tuesday afternoon after a man opened fire on him in his home on the North Side.

Ricardo Rosas, 51, had been sleeping around 2 p.m. when he heard a knock at his door.

He was walking into his living room toward the front door when Raymond Valdez, one of the suspected burglars, allegedly kicked in the door and entered the house, according to police.

Police said Rosas keeps a handgun for protection and was familiar with the practice of burglars to knock on doors to determine whether anyone is inside.

When Valdez, 28, entered the house, Rosas fired, striking him in the chest, police said.

Valdez then fell back then ran to a beige two-door Honda driven by an unknown male accomplice.

A third suspect who police said was serving as a lookout also jumped into the car before it took off headed east Locknere Lane.

A short time later, police received a report of a man with a gunshot wound to the chest being admitted to the Baptist Medical Center downtown.

Police arrived and took Valdez into custody.

He was stabilized and transported to University Hospital for additional treatment.

He will face a charge of burglary of habitation with intent to commit theft.

The other two men involved in the robbery have not yet been located.

Police said based on preliminary information, the shooting appears to be justified, and Rosas is not expected to face any charges.

mdwilson@express-news.net

Twitter: @MDWilsonSA