New Mexico Self-Defense: Home invasion leads deputies to pot grow operation :: 09/18/2015

PLACITAS, N.M. —A violent home invasion led them to a large illegal marijuana grow operation in Placitas, Sandoval County sheriff's deputies said.

Deputies said Mark Richardson, 59, shot and killed a suspected home intruder early Wednesday morning at his home in Placitas along Highway 165.

The suspected intruder was identified as James Garcia, 31.

Richardson's attorney, Richard Cravens, said the intruder pepper-sprayed his client's dog after Richardson woke up. Cravens said the intruder then went after Richardson with a gun.

"(The intruder) fired a shot that went just wide of my client's hip," Cravens said.

Cravens said his client used his cane to knock the gun out of Garcia's hand. According to authorities, Richardson fired a fatal shot from that gun.

Richardson was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Cravens said his client has a broken arm and cuts on his face.

"My client is completely traumatized," Cravens said. "He's a pacifist and was forced to deal with an extremely violent situation."

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the home and found a large amount of cash and more than 200 marijuana plants. All of it was seized.

The investigation is ongoing.

http://www.koat.com/news/sheriff-man-shoots-kills-suspected-home-invader/35308156