In a shocking incident on February 17, 2025, at Birds by Joe 2, a pet store in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, owner Katarina Rukavishnikova was attacked and shot in the face with a crossbow by a regular customer. The suspect, 53-year-old Raymond Carey from Hasbrouck Heights, was arrested the following day and charged with attempted murder.
The attack occurred around 6 p.m. when Carey entered the store carrying a small crossbow concealed in a bag. According to Rukavishnikova, Carey, a frequent customer known for his quiet demeanour, mumbled something upon entering and proceeded to the back of the store. When she approached him to clarify what he had said, he suddenly aimed the crossbow at her and fired without uttering a word. The arrow struck her in the face, causing severe injuries.
Despite the shock and pain, Rukavishnikova managed to wrestle the crossbow away from Carey as he attempted to reload, removed the arrow from her mouth, and ran to a neighbouring business to seek help.
She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries, including the loss of three teeth and additional dental damage. Remarkably, she returned to work the next day, though she expressed ongoing feelings of insecurity and trauma resulting from the attack.
Following the assault, law enforcement agencies, including the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Saddle Brook Police Department, and the FBI, collaborated to locate Carey. Utilizing video surveillance, license plate readers, and witness interviews, they tracked him down in Pine Beach, New Jersey, approximately 19 hours after the incident.
Carey was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law. He is currently awaiting his initial court appearance.
This violent episode is not the first troubling event at Birds by Joe 2 in recent weeks. On January 23, a $7,000 African Grey parrot was stolen from the store. The theft was captured on security cameras, showing a man entering the store, inquiring about the parrot, and then abruptly fleeing with the bird.
The parrot was eventually recovered in Paterson after a tip-off to the police, but the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Onyx Calderon, remains at large. Authorities have stated that there is no evidence linking the two incidents.
The recent events have left Rukavishnikova and her co-owner, Joe Reilly, deeply shaken. While Rukavishnikova has demonstrated resilience by returning to work promptly, she has expressed concerns about her safety and is contemplating the future of the business. The store remains temporarily closed as the investigation continues, and the local community has rallied to support the owners during this challenging time.
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