A shocking and violent incident has placed the New Jersey pet store, Birds by Joe 2 Owner Shot in Face with Crossbow, in the national spotlight. The store’s owner, Katarina Rukavishnikova, was shot in the face by a regular customer in what authorities are calling an attempted homicide.
This tragic event comes just weeks after a $7,000 African Grey parrot was stolen from the store. Despite the timing, police have stated that the two events are unrelated. The attack has left many questioning safety in small businesses and the motivations behind such a brutal act.
Birds by Joe 2 Owner Shot in Face with Crossbow
On Monday night, an unidentified assailant entered Birds by Joe 2 in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, carrying a crossbow. According to Katarina, the attacker was a repeat customer who frequently visited the store.
She described how the man entered while talking to himself, showing no immediate signs of aggression. However, as she approached him, he suddenly aimed the crossbow and fired without warning. The arrow struck Katarina in the face, leaving her severely injured.
Despite the horrific attack, Katarina was transported to the hospital in stable condition and was later released. Authorities from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Saddle Brook Police Department have launched an attempted homicide investigation, but as of now, the suspect remains at large.
The motive behind the attack is still unclear, leaving the local community shaken and concerned for the safety of business owners in the area.
The Theft of a $7,000 Parrot: An Unrelated Crime
Just weeks before the attack, Birds by Joe 2 suffered another major blow when a $7,000 African Grey parrot was stolen from the store.
Surveillance footage from the store captured the thief walking in with a pet carrier, approaching the counter, and suddenly running out with the parrot in tow. The brazen theft left the store devastated, as African Grey parrots are highly valuable due to their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.
Read : The Wealthiest Heirs in the World: A Glimpse into Their Fortunes and Origins
Fortunately, thanks to a tip from the public, police recovered the stolen parrot earlier this month in Paterson, New Jersey. Authorities successfully arrested the suspect responsible for the theft and charged them with larceny.
While many initially speculated that the two incidents might be connected, investigators have since clarified that the shooting and the parrot theft are unrelated.
Investigations and Public Reactions
In response to the attack, the Saddle Brook Police Department has increased efforts to locate the assailant. Police Chief John Zotollo confirmed that law enforcement is working closely with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to gather evidence and track down the suspect. However, details about the attacker’s identity and possible motives remain scarce.
Meanwhile, the public has expressed outrage and concern over the incident. Many have taken to social media to show their support for Katarina, praising her resilience in the face of such a traumatic event.
Others have voiced worries over the increasing number of violent crimes affecting small business owners, calling for stricter security measures in local establishments.
The incident has also sparked discussions about the dangers of unregulated crossbows and the need for stricter laws regarding their sale and use. As authorities continue their investigation, the community of Saddle Brook remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and improved safety measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Conclusion: The events at Birds by Joe 2 highlight the vulnerabilities that small business owners face, from theft to violent attacks. While Katarina survived the terrifying ordeal, the psychological and financial impact of these crimes cannot be understated.
The swift recovery of the stolen parrot was a small victory, but the unresolved attempted homicide case looms large. As investigations continue, the hope remains that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to ensure greater security for businesses and individuals alike.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏