Oklahoma Man Defends Home in Alleged Break-In Incident
In a recent incident in Midwest City, Oklahoma, a resident stepped in to protect his home when his girlfriend’s estranged husband allegedly broke into their residence. The incident shed light on the state’s open carry laws, which allow law-abiding residents aged 21 and above to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
The neighbor, identified only as Gabrielle, who lives in Midwest City, shared her perspective on the situation, stating, “People just be breaking into other people’s houses over here, and… I guess that’s what’s going on. And I’m just glad that it’s open carry in this state because people need to be able to protect themselves.”
The incident occurred on Flannery Drive, where the male and female residents were at home when they heard their dog barking. The male resident went to investigate the commotion and encountered Mauricio Alexander Delarosa, 34, who was identified as the estranged husband of the female homeowner. Notably, the male resident is the boyfriend of Delarosa’s estranged wife, and the two had never met prior to this incident.
Upon encountering Delarosa, the suspect charged at the boyfriend, who then used his firearm to defend himself, firing a single shot that struck Delarosa in the chest. Police records revealed that Delarosa had made over 170 phone calls to his estranged wife from Tuesday afternoon until the shooting on Wednesday morning.
After being shot, Delarosa fled the home but was found collapsed in a neighbor’s yard. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment and will later be transferred to the local jail, according to the police department.
Gabrielle pointed out that many residents in the state are armed and willing to defend their homes if they come under attack. She stated, “You think them single moms aren’t armed, or, you know, them single dads or people are not going to protect their home. You come in them doors you know and you’re not invited, you might get filled up with holes. And that’s just the honest truth.”
She also noted an increase in crime in the Midwest City neighborhood since the closure of an elementary school last year and called for more lighting and safety measures on the street. Delarosa has been charged with first-degree burglary and stalking in connection with the incident.