NJ Pet Shop Owner Shot with Crossbow

A New Jersey pet shop owner is recovering from a harrowing ordeal after being shot with a crossbow by a longtime customer. Katarina Ruk, owner of a pet shop in Saddle Brook, was attacked on Monday evening by 53-year-old Raymond Carey.

According to Ruk, Carey came into the store around 6 p.m. and shot her with a crossbow after making a comment that she couldn't hear. Ruk said she saw Carey pull the crossbow out of a small bag and shoot her, and she quickly knocked the crossbow out of his hand when he went to grab another arrow.

Ruk suffered serious injuries, including a puncture wound in her mouth, broken teeth, and cuts to her lips and tongue. She was taken to the hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery in about five months.

Despite the physical trauma, Ruk said the emotional trauma is worse. "He's in jail, but it's like now I have that insecurity feeling on me," she said. Carey faces attempted murder charges, and Ruk said she has no idea why he attacked her. She described Carey as a quiet and frequent customer who had never caused any problems before.