Indianapolis – A 21‑year‑old woman from Marion County is now facing felony intimidation charges after police say she drew a gun on employees at the Once Upon A Child store on 86th Street. The incident, which occurred in July, began when store staff explained that the child‑friendly policy prohibited motorized toys from being used inside the retail space.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the employee informed officers that the woman, identified as Tamya Staten, produced a handgun, threatened the staff, and then gathered her child before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured the moment she displayed the weapon and the license‑plate number that later helped investigators locate her.
Marion County prosecutors have formally charged Staten with two counts: felony intimidation and pointing a gun. If convicted on both counts, she could face up to eight and a half years in prison. An active warrant has been issued for her arrest, and authorities are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
Store policy and parental expectations
Once Upon A Child, a retailer specializing in gently used children’s furniture and toys, maintains a clear safety policy that restricts the use of motorized toys within its aisles. The policy is intended to protect both customers and merchandise, especially in a setting frequented by young children.
While parents naturally want their toddlers to explore and have fun, the store’s staff emphasized that the rule is applied uniformly to all shoppers. The incident underscores the tension that can arise when parental expectations clash with established safety guidelines.
Law‑enforcement response and community impact
Police responded promptly to the call, securing the scene and collecting video evidence. The swift identification of the suspect demonstrates the effectiveness of modern surveillance tools in supporting public safety.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the escalation of a routine policy dispute into a violent confrontation. Indianapolis Mayor [Name] reiterated the city’s commitment to maintaining safe public spaces and urged residents to respect store rules and resolve disagreements peacefully.
Legal process moving forward
Staten’s case will proceed through the Marion County court system. Prosecutors have indicated that the charges reflect the seriousness of brandishing a firearm in a public setting, especially when children are present. The legal outcome will serve as a reminder that the rule of law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of age or circumstance.
Residents are encouraged to report any similar incidents and to cooperate with law‑enforcement investigations. The Indianapolis Police Department continues to prioritize the safety of families and shoppers throughout the city.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
