A distressing series of events has unfolded at a pet shop in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, where the owner was shot in the face with a crossbow during an attack. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of crime affecting the business, which previously suffered the theft of an expensive bird. Authorities have arrested a suspect, who faces serious charges including attempted murder. The owner, Katarina Rukavishnikova, remains in recovery while investigations continue into both incidents.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Crossbow Attack: What Happened |
| 2) The Arrest of Raymond M. Carey |
| 3) Previous Incident: The Stolen Parrot |
| 4) Community Support for the Victim |
| 5) Ongoing Investigations and Impacts |
The Crossbow Attack: What Happened
On a Monday evening, just before 6 p.m., local police received a 911 call indicating that a woman was seriously injured at her pet shop. Arriving promptly on the scene, officers discovered that Katarina Rukavishnikova, the owner of “Birds by Joe 2,” had been shot in the face with a crossbow arrow. Reports indicate that the assailant fled the scene in his vehicle immediately following the incident. In a remarkable display of resilience, Rukavishnikova managed to disarm her attacker and ran to a neighboring business to seek help.
The severity of her injuries led to her being treated at a local hospital. Authorities described her injuries as serious but did not disclose further details at the moment. The rapid response of the Saddle Brook Police Department and their cooperation with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit initiated an extensive investigation into the attack. Their coordination ensured that multiple agencies, including the FBI, assisted in locating the suspect effectively.
The Arrest of Raymond M. Carey
Less than 24 hours after the attack, law enforcement officials tracked down and arrested Raymond M. Carey, a 53-year-old resident of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. The arrest took place around 1 p.m. on the following day in Pine Beach, New Jersey. Carey faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law. Following his arrest, he was scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment.
Witnesses at the scene described the rapid developments surrounding the apprehension of Carey. Utilizing video surveillance footage, license plate readers, and interviews with those in the area, detectives pieced together the events leading up to the shooting, ultimately resulting in the apprehension of the suspect. The community remains on edge as authorities continue to explore the motivations behind this shocking crime.
Previous Incident: The Stolen Parrot
The series of unfortunate events did not begin with the crossbow attack. Just weeks earlier, on January 23rd, a thief made off with a $7,000 African grey parrot from “Birds by Joe 2.” Rukavishnikova confirmed that she believes the incidents are unrelated, stating that the individual who shot her was a repeat customer who attacked her without warning. The pet shop showcased the stolen parrot and shared images on social media, leading to heightened awareness of the crime within the community.
Fortunately, authorities managed to recover the stolen parrot earlier this month, as the shop celebrated its return with a heartfelt thank you to the community for their support in sharing postings and scouring online platforms for the bird. The Saddle Brook Police Department announced a warrant for Onyx Calderon, a 24-year-old suspect from Paterson, New Jersey, in connection to the theft.
Community Support for the Victim
In the wake of these harrowing events, the local community has rallied around Rukavishnikova, demonstrating immense support through a dedicated GoFundMe campaign aimed at assisting her during her recovery. Customers and community members have flooded social media with messages of encouragement and gratitude for the care and dedication she has shown to her birds over the years. They have painted Rukavishnikova as a pillar of love and support for countless animals, expressing their desire to help her during this challenging time.
The GoFundMe page emphasizes Rukavishnikova’s commitment to the welfare of her birds, outlining her passion for providing them with care, respect, and proper homes. She has been portrayed as someone who treats her animals with dignity, indicating how profoundly the community feels for her well-being after such traumatic experiences. Customers note how, despite facing adversity, Rukavishnikova continues to invest her heart into providing for her avian friends.
Ongoing Investigations and Impacts
Authorities are not only focused on the timeline of events surrounding Rukavishnikova’s attack but also aim to understand potential motives and connections to the previous theft. The investigations, led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, aim to uncover any lingering questions related to the crimes. Investigators are actively soliciting tips from the public and reviewing surveillance footage from a variety of local businesses to piece together the whereabouts of the suspects.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, but there is also a heightened sense of awareness regarding safety and crime prevention. Local businesses are now taking extra precautions to safeguard their operations and foster a safer environment for their customers and employees. Rukavishnikova’s ability to seek help and defend herself during the attack has sparked conversations about training interventions and personal safety measures in similar public-facing businesses.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | A pet shop owner, Katarina Rukavishnikova, was shot with a crossbow in New Jersey. |
| 2 | The suspect, Raymond M. Carey, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. |
| 3 | The shop previously experienced a theft involving a $7,000 bird. |
| 4 | Community support has surged, with a GoFundMe campaign established for Rukavishnikova. |
| 5 | Ongoing investigations are assessing connections between the two crimes. |
Summary
The recent incidents involving the pet shop owner have sparked significant concern and prompted discussions on safety within the community. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crossbow attack and the prior theft unfold, Rukavishnikova’s resilience is a testament to her commitment to her work and her beloved birds. Community efforts to support her recovery further reflect the strong bonds formed through shared experiences and values, ultimately emphasizing the need for vigilance and collective support in maintaining public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What led to the attack on the pet shop owner?
The attack on Katarina Rukavishnikova occurred without any prior warning from the assailant, who was a repeat customer. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motivations behind the attack.
Question: What charges does the suspect face?
Raymond M. Carey has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law.
Question: How have community members responded to these events?
The community has expressed overwhelming support for Rukavishnikova, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist her during her recovery from the violent incident.
