A New Jersey woman has returned to her pet shop after surviving a terrifying attack. On Monday, police say a longtime customer entered the store and shot her with a crossbow.
Katarina Ruk, the owner of the store for five years, recalled the shocking incident. She explained that while the shop is often busy at that time, she happened to be alone that evening. Around 6 p.m., 53-year-old Raymond Carey, a frequent customer, entered the store.
Ruk said Carey spoke as he moved toward the back of the store, but she couldn’t hear him. As she approached him to ask what he had said, she saw him pull a crossbow from a small bag. Without warning, he fired an arrow at her.
As Carey attempted to reload for another shot, Ruk acted quickly and knocked the crossbow from his hands. She believes that if she hadn’t reacted, he would have killed her. Injured, she removed the arrow from her mouth and ran outside, seeking help. She reached a nearby bike shop and urged the employees to call the police.
Emergency responders arrived, and Ruk was transported to the hospital for treatment. The attack caused severe injuries, including the loss of three teeth from her lower jaw on the left side. Two additional teeth were broken and are likely to be removed within the next few weeks. She also suffered cuts to her lips and tongue.
Doctors estimate that her physical recovery will take approximately five months. However, Ruk says the emotional toll is far greater. Although Carey is now in jail and facing attempted murder charges, she continues to feel a sense of insecurity following the attack.
Ruk remains puzzled about Carey’s motive. She described him as a regular customer who was generally quiet, and she has no idea why he would suddenly attack her. Despite the traumatic experience, she is determined to move forward and resume her daily life at the pet shop.
