PHOENIX — A 26-year-old Arizona woman is facing multiple felony charges after police say she shot up a Phoenix nail salon over a $15 broken fingernail repair, allegedly telling investigators she wanted to scare the workers into fixing it for free.
Essence Mire was arrested at her home in Maricopa County on Sunday evening following an alleged shooting rampage at Element Nail Bar, located near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road. According to police reports, nearly 20 people were inside the salon when bullets flew through the front glass door.
Background
Court documents obtained by AZ Family reveal that Mire had been a customer at the nail salon earlier in the day when she got into an argument with employees over the cost of repairing her broken fingernail. The dispute escalated, and police say Mire punched one of the workers in the face before storming outside.
"She was just upset about her nail," recalled a salon employee who asked not to be identified. "Nobody thought it would go this far."
Surveillance footage and witness accounts show Mire returning moments later with a firearm. She allegedly opened fire on the business, sending a bullet crashing through the front glass door. The impact shattered the entrance, terrifying everyone inside.
"It happened so fast," another employee told Law&Crime. "We heard the shot, saw the glass explode, and everyone just started running."
The Investigation
Phoenix police responded to the scene and found 18 people had been inside during the shooting. Fortunately, no one was struck by gunfire. Many patrons fled through the back exit, while others hid inside the salon until it was safe to leave.
"Fortunately, everyone was fine," a manager confirmed to Law&Crime on Tuesday, adding that the salon remained open for business.
Several witnesses recorded the chaotic aftermath on their cellphones, capturing moments of panic as terrified customers and employees scattered. Investigators collected evidence from the scene, including shell casings and the damaged front door.
Mire fled after the shooting but was later apprehended at her residence near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue in Maricopa County. According to arrest reports, she admitted to police that she punched the employee and fired at the business in hopes of intimidating workers into giving her a free manicure fix.
"She wanted them to be scared enough to just do it for free," one source familiar with the investigation told reporters.
The Charges
Mire is facing four charges: aggravated assault, discharging a firearm at a nonresidence, discharging a firearm in city limits, and simple assault. She was being held on a $100,000 bond as of Tuesday evening.
Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek additional enhancements related to the presence of multiple victims or the use of a dangerous weapon in a populated area.
Key Takeaways
- Essence Mire, 26, allegedly shot up Element Nail Bar in Phoenix over a $15 fingernail repair dispute
- Approximately 18 people were inside during the shooting; no injuries were reported
- Police say Mire punched an employee before retrieving a firearm and opening fire on the business
- She admitted to attempting to intimidate workers into giving her a free fix, according to arrest reports
- Mire faces four charges including aggravated assault and multiple firearms-related counts
- She was arrested at her Maricopa County home and is being held on $100,000 bond
What's Next
Mire is expected to make her first court appearance in the coming days where formal charges will be presented. Prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office indicated they are reviewing the case for potential additional charges or sentencing enhancements.
The salon has resumed normal operating hours, though employees say the incident has left them shaken. "We're trying to get back to normal," the manager said. "It's hard, but we have to keep going."
Investigators continue to interview witnesses and review evidence collected from the scene.