Detectives from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in Tennessee are investigating the shooting of a pregnant woman by a Walgreens employee who claims she was shoplifting.
In a Thursday press release, the department identified 21-year-old Mitarius Boyd as the shooter and 24-year-old Travonsha Ferguson.
Authorities said Ferguson was seven months pregnant and that she gave birth via an emergency C-Section after she was shot. Her baby was not injured by the shooting and both were in critical but stable condition as of Thursday.
According to police, another Walgreens employee told Boyd that two women were stealing items from the store at around 8 pm. Wednesday, and he saw them placing items into a cart as well as a bag. He began recording them on his cell phone and followed them as they allegedly left the store without paying.
Boyd allegedly followed the women out to a vehicle, and approached as they began putting items in the trunk. At that point, police said one of the women pulled out a can of mace and began spraying at him.
“Boyd said he then pulled his semi-automatic pistol and began shooting, saying he was in fear and didn’t know if they were armed,” said police. “The women fled in the car. Boyd went back into the store and called 911.”
Ferguson was dropped off at General Hospital and the other woman who was allegedly with her drove away. Since Ferguson had multiple gunshot wounds, she was transported to Vanderbilt by an ambulance.
“Boyd cooperated with detectives,” said police. “His gun was seized and detectives are in possession of his cell phone. At the completion of the investigation, detectives will staff their findings with the District Attorney’s Office for a determination as to whether Boyd will face charges.”
Police said the incident is being investigated as a “self-defense claim.”
As of July 2021, Tennessee does not require permits for adults age 21 and older (or 18 and older for some military members) to carry a firearm, whether openly or concealed.
Related
Related
