Police in Glendale, AZ said it was in the early morning hours on Monday when 23-year-old Carol Miracle stopped in at a Circle K convenience store at 59th Avenue and Camelback Road and encountered a violent armed robber.

When police responded to a call of shots fired at approximately 1 a.m., witnesses at the scene said they saw 27-year-old Frank Taylor holding a gun to Carol’s head in an apparent armed robbery.

But even with a gun to her head, the young woman knew how to level the playing field with her assailant, and was well equipped to do so.

As Taylor held the barrel to her skull, Carol reached for her own gun holstered at her hip. She drew her weapon and took aim, firing one shot to end the attack.

Taylor was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries.

Police said Carol also called 9-1-1 to report the shooting from her home, which is in walking distance from the convenience store, and told police she was in fear for her life.

“Miracle has been fully cooperating with detectives,” said Officer Tiffany Smith of the Glendale Police Department. “During interviews with her as well as other witnesses, it was reported that the decedent attempted to rob Miracle with a handgun.”

Police also confirmed security camera footage from the scene has been particularly helpful in their investigation.

Court records show that in February of last year, Taylor pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking of stolen property.

The case will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to determine whether Miracle should face any charges, but police say the incident appears to be a clear case of self defense.