A shocking incident unfolded at Birds by Joe 2, a pet store in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, when the owner, Katarina Rukavishnikova, was shot in the face with a crossbow by a customer named Raymond M. Carey. According to a co-worker, Carey hid behind an aisle before suddenly standing up and shooting Rukavishnikova in the face. Despite being a regular customer who usually purchased parrot food, Carey committed this heinous act, leaving everyone at the store in disbelief.
Following the attack, Carey fled the scene but was apprehended by authorities in a small town near Toms River the next day. He has since been charged with first-degree attempted murder and is currently held at Bergen County Jail in Hackensack. Meanwhile, Rukavishnikova, showing immense resilience, returned to work the following day, wrapping her wounded face in a white silk scarf.
Despite the traumatic incident, Rukavishnikova’s dedication to her birds remained unwavering. She is known for her impeccable care and love for the birds at her store, with a co-worker praising her commitment to their well-being. This strong bond was evident when a thief stole a $7,000 African Grey parrot from the store in January. The thief, identified as Onyx Calderon, pretended to be interested in buying the bird before making off with it. Thankfully, the parrot was recovered from a Paterson home after a tip-off, and it will soon find a new home.
The African Grey parrot is prized for its intelligence and mimicry abilities, making it a sought-after exotic pet. Despite the challenges faced by Birds by Joe 2, the store continues to provide excellent care for its feathered residents. Rukavishnikova’s dedication to her birds and the support of the community have helped the store overcome these troubling incidents.
