Criminal charges have been filed against a woman whose plans to rob a jewelry store with bear spray were foiled by its gun-wielding shop owner, according to the Gardendale Police Department in Alabama.
It announced Friday that 32-year-old Heather Denise Wright of Nauvoo, Ala., was charged with three counts of first-degree robbery (no bond on each) and three counts of criminal use of defense spray ($15,000 bond each).
Just before 5 p.m. this Wednesday, Wright allegedly entered the Jeff Dennis Jewelry store in Gardendale wearing one of the medical masks that has become a common sight since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Jeff Dennis, she was also wearing a coat and carrying a purse. He said he knew something was up when she immediately blocked the door, according to Alabama.com.
“I knew then what was happening,’’ Dennis said. “So, I drew my weapon.”
Wright then allegedly said: “Happy holidays. I don’t want to hurt y’all, but I am,” and proceeded to spray employees with bear spray. These powerful sprays meant for encounters with grizzlies – such as the Counter Assault spray sold at REI – can contain capsaicin. That brand has a label warning against use on humans.
“I didn’t have any choice once she started spraying the bear spray because I didn’t know what was going to come next,” he said.
Dennis said he shot Wright in the shoulder and that she began begging for her life.
“I had to make sure the perimeter was safe,’’ he explained.
“We were absolutely sick because we were gasping and couldn’t breathe, and I had to get everybody outside.”
Though authorities arrived in minutes, he said it felt like hours as they dealt with the affects of the bear spray. Dennis said he hates that he shot Wright but that he needed to protect his employees.
After he shot her, Wright fled from the store, leaving her purse. He said there were other weapons inside the bag.
“Shortly after the Attempted Robbery, Gardendale Police apprehended Ms. Wright at a residence located in Birmingham, Alabama,” said the department. She is expected to be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, Ala., at an unspecified later date.