Mom Allegedly Pulls Gun on Store Workers Over Toddler Playing

A woman in Indianapolis is facing felony charges after allegedly brandishing a handgun at store employees who told her toddler he could not play inside the establishment. Tamya Staten, 21, was charged Tuesday in Marion County court with intimidation with a deadly weapon and pointing a firearm at another person.

The incident occurred in July at a Once Upon a Child store while Staten was attempting to sell her child's clothing. According to reports, Staten's child was playing with a toy car within the store, which prompted an employee to inform her that such activity violated store policy.

Witness accounts and surveillance footage indicate that Staten reacted with anger to the policy reminder. Court documents state that she allegedly produced a "large black handgun" from her leggings and threatened the employees. She reportedly said, "We can fight about it. We can get down," and "I can use this [gun]." Surveillance footage also appears to show Staten poking a store employee in the face with her finger.

Following the confrontation, Staten allegedly retrieved her child and fled the store. Surveillance cameras captured the incident, and authorities were able to identify Staten using her license plate number and an ID she provided to staff. Police apprehended her, leading to the charges filed this week.

If convicted of both felony counts, Staten could face up to eight and a half years in prison.