Police in the Windy City report that Vanessa Harris, the owner of V’s Convenience Store, responded to a burglary attempt at her business. She arrived at about 4:35 a.m. to find the three male suspects had shattered a window and were taking items.
When the 40-year-old woman approached the three, one of the suspects allegedly produced a gun and fired a shot in her direction.
Harris admitted being nervous about the shot and wondering if more would follow. She told ABC Chicago that she “realized he did it as a scare shot, and they ran off from the store. I just fired back and two more ran out on foot.”
Fortunately, she was not injured, and she told police the suspects fled in a white sedan. Media reports said Harris possessed a concealed carry license and was legally armed.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, police described the scene they found.
“The victim, a 40-year-old female, observed the offenders exiting the business and related one of the offenders produced a firearm and opened fire in her direction. The victim related she shot back. The victim was not struck by gunfire, and it does not appear at this time that any of the offenders were struck.”
Harris said afterward that she thought she may have struck one of the suspects. “If they didn’t, they was lucky…I don’t want no death on my conscience, but they’re getting ridiculous.”
The owner told the outlet that it was an emotional experience. “It’s not easy running a business, you know, so I’m really frustrated, and I’m hoping that the police get involved. I really feel hurt and violated.”
But alive and safe, thanks to a legal firearm and a dose of courage.
