Indianapolis woman charged after allegedly pointing gun at retail workers

Tamya Staten, 21, has been charged with felony intimidation with a deadly weapon and pointing a firearm at another person following an incident at an Indianapolis children’s resale shop.

The confrontation occurred in July at a Once Upon a Child location on the city’s north side. According to court documents, the incident began when a store employee informed Staten that her toddler playing in a small toy car inside the shop violated company policy. In response, Staten allegedly produced a large black handgun from her leggings and pointed it at employees while telling her child to continue playing.

Witnesses reported that Staten told staff, “We can fight about it. We can get down,” and warned, “I can use this [gun].” She also reportedly poked a worker in the face with her finger. Store surveillance footage captured the incident, which allowed investigators to identify Staten using her license plate and the identification card she provided during the transaction.

If convicted on both felony counts, Staten faces up to eight and a half years in state custody.