PHOENIX, Ariz. — A dispute over a $15 fingernail repair allegedly escalated into a shooting at a Phoenix nail salon, where nearly 20 people were inside when a woman opened fire, according to police.
The incident happened Sunday afternoon at Element Nail Bar near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road.
According to court documents obtained by a local news outlet, Essence Mire, 26, became involved in an argument with employees over the cost of repairing a broken fingernail.
What began as a disagreement over a relatively small amount of money quickly became a much more serious confrontation.
Police say Mire punched an employee in the face during the argument before leaving the salon and going outside. She then allegedly returned with a firearm.
Woman Allegedly Opens Fire at Salon
According to police, Mire fired toward the nail salon after retrieving the gun.
A bullet reportedly went through the business’s front glass door, shattering it and sending people inside scrambling for safety. At least 18 people were reportedly inside the salon at the time.
Customers and employees reacted quickly as the sound of gunfire sent panic through the business. Some people reportedly ran out through the back door, while others hid inside the salon in an effort to avoid being struck.
Several people also recorded the incident on their cellphones. Despite the frightening circumstances, no one inside the salon was reported injured by the gunfire.
“Fortunately, everyone was fine,” a manager told reporters Tuesday. The salon confirmed it remained open but referred further questions to the owner.
Police Say $15 Repair Was Behind the Argument
Investigators say the confrontation began because Mire was unhappy about being charged for repairing her broken fingernail.
The disagreement reportedly escalated before Mire allegedly struck an employee and left the business. Police say she later admitted that she shot at the salon in an attempt to intimidate employees.
According to authorities, Mire wanted the workers to become frightened enough to give her the nail repair for free.
The alleged motive has drawn attention because what started as a dispute over a $15 service ultimately resulted in a firearm being discharged at a business filled with customers.
The incident could have ended with far more serious consequences given the number of people inside.
Mire Arrested at Her Home
After the shooting, police say Mire fled the scene. Investigators later located her at her home in Maricopa County near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue, where she was arrested.
Police say Mire admitted to both punching the employee and firing at the business.
She now faces multiple charges connected to the incident, including aggravated assault, assault, discharging a firearm at a nonresidence and discharging a firearm within city limits.
The allegations remain part of the criminal case, and Mire is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Nearly 20 People Were Inside During Shooting
The number of people inside the salon has become one of the most alarming details of the case. With at least 18 people present, a single bullet passing through the front door could have resulted in serious injuries.
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Instead, customers and employees managed to get away from the immediate danger. Some people reportedly rushed toward the rear exit, while others stayed hidden until the threat had passed.
The incident has also highlighted how quickly an everyday customer-service dispute can escalate when a firearm becomes involved.
Woman Held on $100,000 Bond
Mire was being held this week on a $100,000 bond as the criminal case moves forward. The shooting investigation is continuing, and authorities will determine how the charges proceed through the court system.
For the salon and its customers, the incident began with something as ordinary as a broken fingernail and a disagreement over its repair cost.
Within minutes, however, police say the dispute had escalated into violence, gunfire and a terrified crowd running for safety.
No one was reported injured in the shooting, but the incident could have ended very differently with so many people inside the business.
What do you think about a $15 service dispute escalating into a shooting? Share your thoughts in the comments.