A New Mexico grandmother, Anissa Tinnin, became a hero when she shot down a runaway criminal who stormed into her home while she was having a movie night with her granddaughter. The evening started off as a quiet and special time spent with her 4-year-old grandchild, watching a Taylor Swift concert film. However, chaos ensued when Joseph Rivera burst into their home, seeking refuge from the police who were chasing him after he was caught driving a stolen car and crashed it into a fence. Rivera threatened Tinnin and her granddaughter, demanding her keys to escape, but she managed to calm him down and get him to leave the house temporarily.
As Rivera headed for his car, Tinnin called 911 while comforting her granddaughter, asking her to hide in the bedroom. She also grabbed her gun in case the criminal returned, which he eventually did as he heard police sirens getting closer to the home. Despite warning Rivera to stay back, he continued to charge at Tinnin, forcing her to shoot him in self-defense. Following the incident, Tinnin offered to assist Rivera with his gunshot wound but made it clear she would not hesitate to shoot him again if he tried anything. The police arrived shortly after and arrested Rivera, charging him with burglary, attempted felony, and auto theft.
Tinnin believed that she had a guardian angel watching over her and her granddaughter during the terrifying ordeal and credited God for their safety. Rivera, who had multiple previous felony convictions for burglary and auto theft, was wanted for a prior charge at the time of his latest arrest. Tinnin expressed frustration with the rampant crime in her city and the failure of the justice system to keep repeat offenders off the streets. While Tinnin was commended for her bravery and quick thinking in protecting herself and her granddaughter, she highlighted the larger issue of criminals impacting the lives of innocent people in their community.
The incident involving Tinnin and Rivera shed light on the dangers faced by ordinary citizens in the face of criminal activities and highlighted the need for better safety and security measures to protect families. Tinnin’s quick actions and bravery in protecting her granddaughter and herself from an armed intruder underscored the importance of self-defense and preparedness in unexpected and dangerous situations. The emotional toll of the event on Tinnin and her granddaughter was evident in her efforts to comfort the child while facing a potentially life-threatening situation. The criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders like Rivera also raised concerns about public safety and the need for more stringent legal measures to prevent such individuals from causing harm to the community.
Tinnin’s experience serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of families to criminal activities and the importance of being vigilant and ready to defend oneself in the face of danger. The traumatic incident will likely have a lasting impact on Tinnin and her granddaughter, prompting them to be more cautious and aware of potential threats in their surroundings. The widespread attention and support Tinnin received for her actions reflect society’s recognition of her courage and determination to protect her loved ones. The case also highlighted the need for communities and law enforcement to work together to address criminal behavior and ensure the safety of all residents in the face of escalating crime rates.
