A shocking act of violence caught on camera is raising alarm in Columbia after a gas station encounter turned into a near-fatal shooting.
Surveillance footage from a Shell station shows a woman entering the store, pulling out a revolver, and demanding cash from an employee. Moments later, she fires at point-blank range, striking the worker before fleeing the scene.
Authorities say the incident occurred on April 17, 2026, and despite the violent confrontation, the suspect left without taking any money.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and remains under medical care. Officials have not released their identity but confirm the employee survived the attack.
Now, Howard County Police Department is asking for the public’s help.
Investigators are actively searching for the female suspect, who remains at large. Police have released footage and are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest.
The randomness of the attack is what’s fueling concern.
There was no confirmed robbery, no clear motive, and no warning. Just a sudden escalation from confrontation to gunfire in a routine setting.
Online, the footage has spread rapidly.
A widely shared caption calling it “just your average day in the land of the free” reflects growing public frustration, with many pointing to concerns about random violence, public safety, and accountability.
Community members are now left asking the same question.
How does something like this happen in broad daylight at a neighborhood gas station?
For now, police urge anyone with information to come forward as the search continues.