Today at around 9pm, someone at the 429 N State Of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604 Walgreens called the cops on me and accused me of trying to shoplift. I had on like five braces, and very clearly had stuff in a huge bag, yet you could see all of it, as I had the bag splayed open. I shop at Walgreens and other places like that ALL THE TIME. I explained to the 4 policemen, 2 rude managers/clerks, and all the Walgreens shoppers standing around gawking that I had a disability and couldn't push a cart or carry a basket, that I had a hurt knee, wrist, and hand.
I even had my wallet out, and a coupon in hand. I was literally walking up to the cash register. I had been in the store for more than 40 minutes. I talked to multiple sales clerks in that time. I said all of these things to the officer. He still accused me of concealing items. I seriously thought he was going to arrest me. I voluntarily emptied my bag for them to see: 3 more braces, water bottle, Aldi's ad, and that's it. I walked off, put the 4 items I had planned to buy back where they went, and left the store. The policeman didn't try to stop me. Not did he expressed any sympathy.
It was so, so humiliating. I sat in my car and cried for like 30 minutes. It's not like I chose this.
Who calls the cops on a clearly disabled person the week before Thanksgiving over $5 leggings and nasal spray. The manager said they are not allowed to even approach customers about this, they have to call the cops.
I realized as I drove off that I actually needed these items, and there were no other Walgreens on my route. So I turned around, left my bag and coat in the car, and approached the store. The manager was 5 ft from the entrance door, smoking a cigarette and talking to another woman who was smoking a cigarette. I got my items promptly, went to the register and asked to have the district manager's name. The clerk, Ben, said I could call 1-800-Walgreens. I asked if he could find the name and write it down for me. He was helpful at that point. His female co-worker was unhelpful and would not assist him in finding the district manager's name not the on-call manager. I was standing at the counter crying, apologizing for being such trouble. Ben found their names, guessed at the spelling, and wrote it down for me.
The manager on duty was Cindy Prince(may be misspelled). She had another middle aged woman standing in front of her during my encounter with the police.
To say the least, this entire encounter was extremely inappropriate. read more
