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DA decides not to file charges against El Cajon homeowner who shot break-in suspect

Posted at 5:44 PM, Jan 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-07 20:44:33-05

EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) -- The District Attorney has decided against filing charges against a man who reportedly shot and killed a suspect trying to break into his work truck in El Cajon.

The shooting happened on the 1100 block of Mona Place in March of 2018.

Authorities say Michael Poe woke up in the early-morning hours of March 11 to the sound of glass shattering. When he went outside, he found the suspect, Joseph Mercurio, breaking into his work truck.

RELATED: Family of man shot for attempting to break into truck sues truck owner

Poe told police there was a confrontation before he shot Mercurion. Mercurion’s mother told 10News her son had a drug problem, but was doing his best to stay sober.

Mercurio’s mother filed a lawsuit against Poe. At this time, the status of the lawsuit is unclear.

RELATED: Confrontation between homeowner, suspected thief ends in deadly El Cajon shooting