The Alameda County District Attorney announced on Tuesday that it would not file charges against an Oakland Chinatown liquor store owner who fired his gun at suspects during an attempted robbery, CBS SF Bay Area reports.
On February 15, liquor store owner Aaron Yee fired four shots at multiple suspects attempting to rob a woman outside of his store, according to KTVU.
An anonymous police officer told CBS SF Bay Area reporter Betty Yu that multiple Oakland police officers were reluctant to arrest Yee. The officer said Yee had a valid permit to carry a firearm and had legally registered the firearm he used to fire the suspects. They added that Yee had often helped the Oakland police department with other investigations.
Yee was in jail for less than 12 hours, according to the anonymous officer.
District Attorney Nancy O’Malley confirmed on Tuesday that the DA’s office believed Yee was justified in his use of force to defend the victim. However, she added that the DA’s office did not approve of Yee taking matters into his own hands.
“The District Attorney’s Office does not condone vigilantism,” O’Malley said according to KTVU. “However, after a thorough review of the facts of the incident, it is clear that Mr. Yee fired his weapon in lawful defense of the victim of the robbery or what appeared to be a possible kidnapping.”
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There are only a few citizens brave enough to stand up to predatory criminals to protect the innocent.. Through the eyes of law-abiding citizens Mr. Aaron Yee is a hero to this victim and his community. This seems to be a no-brainer.