News

Actions

Woman who shot at fleeing shoplifters gets probation

Posted at 12:50 PM, Dec 09, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-09 12:50:55-05

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (AP) — A woman described as a “sharpshooter” has been sentenced to 18 months of probation for firing a gun at the getaway car as shoplifters fled a Home Depot in suburban Detroit.

Tatiana Duva-Rodriguez told a judge Wednesday that the Oct. 6 shooting in Auburn Hills was a mistake. But she says she heard a scream in the parking lot and feared it was worse than a theft.

Her gunfire flattened a tire on the thieves’ SUV.

Judge Julie Nicholson acknowledged the explanation but said Duva-Rodriguez put people in danger. Duva-Rodriguez pleaded no-contest to reckless discharge of a gun.

The 46-year-old Clarkston woman was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, but that is now revoked.

Defense attorney Steven Lyle Schwartz says Duva-Rodriguez is a “sharpshooter” whose skills are needed in society.