Woman Accidentally Shot Ace Hardware Employee Attempting To Stop Shoplifter

An Arizona woman was arrested after allegedly accidentally shooting an Ace Hardware employee while trying to stop a shoplifter on Saturday, reported 12 News.

Police responded to the scene after getting word of shots fired around 9:15 am.

When they arrived, they saw the shooter, who was later identified as 45-year-old Nya Reyes. She told police that she meant to hit the shoplifter, but accidentally ended up hitting the employee while chasing after them.

The employee, who was shot in the knee, was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Reyes was arrested and booked for aggravated assault and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Former assistant police chief Andy Anderson explained a little about gun ownership and what civilians should do in similar situations.

Anderson said, "Anytime you use a weapon out there on the street, you may find yourself in a criminal court, or you may find yourself in a civil court and if you don't have insurance to cover your actions you could ruin your entire life financially by getting involved in a situation like that."

Reyes was released on a $25,000 bond, and is expected to be in court on February 8th.

If anyone has any information about the shoplifter, call the police at (602) 262-6151.

Photo: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office