In a shocking turn of events, a woman in Alabama was shot in the shoulder by a store owner after she allegedly attempted to rob his store using bear spray.
The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, as reported by the local police.
The Gardendale police have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Heather Denise Wright. Surveillance footage from the scene shows Wright, clad in a dark hood, gloves, and a face mask, standing near the store's entrance with a can of bear spray in her hand.
According to the store owner, Jeff Dennis, Wright greeted the store employees with a "happy holidays" before announcing her intentions. "I don't want to hurt y'all, but I am," she reportedly said, before discharging the bear spray.
Dennis, who had drawn his firearm when Wright wedged the door open with a block, responded by shooting her in the shoulder. The impact sent her reeling, causing her to drop her bag and flee the scene. Dennis subsequently discovered additional weapons in her purse, prompting him to activate the alarm and secure the store.
In an interview with AL.com, Dennis recounted the traumatic event. "I did what I had to do to protect my store and my employees," he said. "I had no idea what she was capable of."
The attempted robbery took place in Gardendale, approximately 10 miles north of Birmingham. Wright was apprehended by the police shortly after the incident.
Reflecting on the event, Dennis expressed relief that Wright had been captured alive, despite the sleepless nights the incident had caused him. "Some poor choices by somebody made me do something I hoped Id never have to do," he lamented.
Wright is currently being held without bail, facing three charges of robbery and three of criminal use of defense spray. Despite the ordeal, Dennis expressed hope for her future. "I'm glad she didn't die," he said. "I hope she can turn her life around."
Following the incident, the store was closed for a day and has since reopened for limited service, as stated on Dennis' Facebook page.
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