Burglars surprised by armed homeowner

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A pair of burglars got a big surprise after they broke through the front of a home on Tuesday only to find the homeowner pointing a loaded gun at them.

Michael Heuker says he was home watching TV this afternoon when he heard noised coming from outside his front door.

"I came and looked through the peephole and I didn't know these guys, so, I saw them turn around and start putting on some black latex gloves, so I kind of had an idea they were getting ready to break into the house," Heuker said.

Heuker went to get his gun to defend himself.

The burglars kicked through the door and looked up to see Heuker pointing a loaded gun at them. They quickly ran away.

Heuker followed the burglars out of his home with his gun drawn, and decided to send a message to the two burglars.

"I put one (shot) in the back of their tailgate, just to let them know they broke into the wrong house," Heuker said.

A short time later, Albuquerque Police arrested 22-year old Elliott Peralta and 28-year old Aaron Gutierrez. Both will face burglary charges.

Ironically, Heuker will likely see the pair tomorrow when he goes into work at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Heuker and his wife both work at the jail.

APD says Heuker may face some trouble for firing a shot at the burglars' pickup truck. The case will be turned over to the District Attorney's office for possible punishment.