A terrifying incident unfolded at a West Virginia gas station when a woman allegedly opened fire on a clerk during an attempted robbery.
Surveillance footage captured the moment 42-year-old Rebecca Peterson entered the convenience store in the early hours of Friday morning.
The suspect, wearing a black hoodie, approached the counter at approximately 4 a.m. and demanded money from the employee.
Alaa Hammad, who was covering a shift for a friend, found himself in a life-threatening situation as the suspect brandished a firearm.
Hammad attempted to de-escalate the situation by informing the woman that the owner was in the back room.
As he moved to distance himself from the immediate danger, the suspect discharged her weapon toward the back wall of the store.
The clerk expressed his shock as the bullet narrowly missed him, striking the surveillance equipment instead.
Hammad later described his efforts to remain calm while observing that the suspect appeared to be in an unstable mental state during the encounter.
Following the discharge of the weapon, the suspect fled the scene in her vehicle.
Local authorities were alerted to the incident and quickly initiated a search for the individual involved.
West Virginia State Police successfully tracked down Peterson shortly after she departed the gas station.
She was taken into custody without further incident and now faces a series of serious criminal charges.
The charges filed against the suspect include attempted armed robbery, wanton endangerment, and brandishing a deadly weapon.
She is also facing counts of assault and destruction of property as the investigation continues.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by retail workers during late-night shifts.
Security experts often emphasize the importance of surveillance systems in providing critical evidence for law enforcement during criminal investigations.
The footage obtained from the Shell station provided police with essential details to identify and apprehend the suspect rapidly.
Local officials have praised the clerk for his quick thinking and composure during the high-stress event.
The community remains shaken by the brazen nature of the attack.
Authorities continue to process the scene as they prepare for upcoming court proceedings regarding the suspect's actions.