Prosecutor: Lodi homeowner shoots new tenant he mistook for a burglar
The shooting took place on Sunday at 11 p.m. along Garibaldi Avenue in Lodi.
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The Bergen County prosecutor will have to decide if a Lodi homeowner will face criminal charges for shooting a man he thought was a stranger breaking into his house.
Investigators with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office have learned that the man turned out to be the homeowner’s new basement tenant.
The shooting took place on Sunday at 11 p.m. along Garibaldi Avenue.
Investigators say 33-year-old Amr Ali first tried to break through the front door with a spear-like object before breaking the window on the front door.
That’s when police say the homeowner shot and killed Ali.
Neighbors, who also rent out apartments within their private homes, say this incident has them questioning who they rent space to.
“My husband’s family rents these homes and now we’re like, ‘We should do background checks.’ We’re scared. Everyone should be scared because everyone around here rents. So we’re all nervous,” said Jessica Guttilla.
After hearing of Ali’s erratic behavior, neighbors consider this to be a case of self-defense.
Investigators with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office are also trying to determine exactly why Ali was attempting to break down the door.
