Female Trucker’s Self-Defense Case Dismissed One Year After Arrest
Maybi Izquierdo, a female long-haul trucker, found herself in a difficult situation last year when she spent her birthday in jail. She had used her firearm to protect herself from an aggressive male roommate at her California residence. Now, a year later, her case has been dismissed, and she reflects on how the Second Amendment played a crucial role in safeguarding her from harm.
A Move to California
Maybi Izquierdo, originally from Florida, relocated to San Bernardino, California, last year because her trucking job was based there. She wanted to assess if California would be a suitable place to live.
Unwanted Encounter
Izquierdo rented a room in a house owned by her friend’s mom, not anticipating that one of her roommates, a man, would become a source of concern for her safety.
On the evening of September 25, 2022, Izquierdo had just finished cleaning the shared house after cooking all day. She looked forward to a relaxing shower in her room. However, her male roommate returned home seemingly intoxicated and attempted to strike up a conversation with her.
“He wanted to talk to me, and I wasn’t ready for a conversation. I was tired. I wanted to take a shower and go to my room. And he kept on bugging [me],” she recounted. “I think he was drunk because he was gone.”
Despite her efforts to avoid him by going outside or returning to the kitchen, he persisted in following her. Frustrated, she suggested they talk the next day when he was sober. But his behavior grew agitated and somewhat violent.
“I didn’t like the way he just kept on walking up to me and just annoying me,” she said. She attempted to seek refuge in the bathroom, but the situation escalated.
“When he followed me to the bathroom and wouldn’t let me close the door, I realized it could become a dangerous situation,” she said.
Her other roommates were present but became frightened and left Izquierdo alone with the man. Izquierdo feared for her safety, thinking, “He was gonna hit me or rape me or, or who knows?”
The Second Amendment and Self-Defense
In California, residents can carry firearms on private property without permits. Izquierdo possessed a concealed carry permit from another state and had been a member of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association for years. Her decision to carry a firearm stemmed from stories within the trucking community of women being victimized while on the road.
As the situation escalated, with the man attempting to break into the bathroom, Izquierdo retrieved her gun from her purse and fired a single round as he pushed her against the wall. Fortunately, the round did not hit him, and other residents had already called 911.
Legal Battle and Dismissal
Izquierdo was arrested and faced charges of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, a felony, and exhibiting a firearm, a misdemeanor. She spent nearly three weeks behind bars until her sister reminded her that she was a U.S. Concealed Carry Association member with self-defense liability insurance. She then sought the assistance of attorney Andy Beltran and his team, who argued that she had acted in self-defense.
After a thorough review of evidence and consultation with a retired Los Angeles Police Department officer turned private investigator, William Sera, they presented their case. The evidence included the 911 call, surveillance footage, Izquierdo’s statement to the police, witness accounts, and the aggressor’s statement.
Following negotiations with the deputy district attorney, who initially resisted dismissing the case, the supervising deputy district attorney eventually agreed to drop the charges. The case was officially dismissed on July 14, according to court documents.
Lessons Learned
Izquierdo’s experience led her to emphasize the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. She encourages responsible gun ownership and recommends seeking self-defense liability insurance. In her words, “Being prepared is not just carrying a weapon only. Having people that if you have an incident … like this, you know that they’re going to be there for you, from the beginning to the end.”
Reflecting on her journey, Izquierdo, who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba, remains resilient. She believes in the importance of following the law and facing investigations when necessary, understanding that it’s all part of living in a society that values the rule of law.
After all, as she puts it, “I’m a very strong woman.”