NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A man was indicted on Monday after allegedly firing a shot into a long Island home where his girlfriend, her children, and other family members were inside, prosecutors said.
Joaquin Orantes Franco, 42, from Brentwood, was indicted on multiple charges, including criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
According to court documents, on Oct. 20, Franco allegedly shot into the home, narrowly missing several occupants, including young children, after the woman declined to move in with him.
"The allegations in this case represent an egregious act of domestic violence that put innocent lives at risk," Tierney said. "Our office takes acts of domestic violence extremely seriously, particularly those involving firearms and the endangerment of children."
The victim and her two children were visiting her parents' home in Central Islip, according to court documents. While inside with several family members, including at least five children, they heard a loud bang from outside.
A downstairs resident ran upstairs to report that a bullet had pierced through the downstairs apartment, passing through multiple walls, a television, and a child's bedroom, according to prosecutors. The bullet narrowly missed an adult who was watching TV at the time.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed the shot coming from Franco's truck, which then drove away, according to prosecutors.
Police later located Franco and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. The weapon, loaded with a high-capacity magazine, had a live cartridge jammed in the chamber. During a search of Franco's truck, officers also found a live cartridge and an expended shell casing. The pistol was found to be unserialized, according to court documents.
If convicted, Franco faces 15 years in prison.
