'I was just lucky': Man recounts terrifying moments after surviving point-blank shooting outside Wallkill restaurant

Miller survived an attack last month, only to suffer from injuries and flashbacks - after he was allegedly mistaken for a police officer and shot point blank in the stomach.

News 12 Staff

May 25, 2021, 9:40 PM

Updated 1,307 days ago

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The Walden man who was mistaken for a police officer in a bizarre shooting in Wallkill is recovering and talking exclusively with News 12 about his ordeal - as the suspect now faces attempted murder charges.
"I hear the pop and feel the bullet rip through me every night," says Charles Miller.
Miller survived an attack last month, only to suffer from injuries and flashbacks - after he was allegedly mistaken for a police officer and shot point blank in the stomach.
"He asked me if I'm OK like three times and I said, 'Yeah I'm good,' and the next thing you know he pulls the gun out and it goes pop," he says.
The 48-year-old grandfather was having dinner with his family at the You You Asian Restaurant in Wallkill when he stepped outside for a cigarette and was allegedly shot by 27-year-old Hector Luna.
"I got no control of my arms and I have to learn to walk again," Miller says.
Luna, who's from Wallkill, was tracked down by authorities to Pennsylvania and later returned to New York. Miller fought for his life in the hospital in an induced coma following emergency surgery to repair his stomach and intestines.
On Tuesday, News12 spoke exclusively with Miller about his ordeal, now that his alleged shooter has been indicted by a grand jury for attempted murder.
"Keep him off the streets. He doesn't deserve to be out there. He could kill somebody else. You never know. I was just lucky," says Miller.
Miller feels lucky to be alive but still has a long medical journey ahead and remains unable to work.
Luna faces 25 years in prison if convicted. He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court next month.
A GoFundMe was created for Miller.