Don't do drugs, kiddies.

[SiobhanCecilia]

Yesterday at work I was standing behind my register minding my own business (it was about 2 in the afternoon and it was fairly quiet) when a woman approached. I assumed she was just another regular customer, I had had no SC's and I was off my guard.

This woman (this will be relevant, I swear) was exceptionally scrawny, her skin was rather on the scabby side (disgusting I know, but like I said, relevant) and she had several missing/decayed looking teeth). Several signs of a meth addict. Nevertheless, I did not to judge.

She was holding a small box containing battery-operated alarm clock. When she got to my counter, she said, rather louder than was necessary, "What batteries do I need for these, eh?"

We don't have a very large range of batteries, so I looked at the box to see what type the clock took, and showed her the only pack of AAA batteries that we have which happens to be a (very heavy) 12 pack. She got angry and begins to shout.

Crazy Meth Lady: What the f*** do I need all them batteries for? What am I gonna do with all them?!

Me: Well, um, it's all we have in this type, but...

CML: Why the f*** do I need so many f****** batteries for you dumb b****!!

Me: Yes, well...

CML: How much are they?

I scanned them to check the price, told her how much they were, and hoped dearly that this didn't enrage her further.

It did.

CML: F*** me, all that for f****** batteries?!
(They were $11.99 AUD, quite reasonable for 12)

CML (shouting): I don't want them. I don't f***** want them!!

I was about to deduct the batteries from the register so I could finalise the transaction, and evidently wasn't quick enough because she grabbed the packet and flung them at me rather forcefully, smacking me in the chest. This would have been bad enough at the best of times, but I underwent breast reduction surgery 8weeks previous, and they're still fairly tender. By this stage, I am scared, and in mild pain.

I decide silence is the best way to go while this woman rants. I am slowly becoming more terrified.

CML (screaming her lungs out): I don't have enough to pay for those, you stupid little c***, you're trying to cheat me out of my money, aren't you? You f***** little b****, I'll get you for this!!

I shakily ask her for the money she owes, and she throws a sandwich bag full of coins at me, which also hits me in the chest. She is halfway out the door when she turns, walks back towards me and screeches "S**t, f**** c***, I'll f**** KILL you, you goddamn f***** s**t!! Don't you dare come near me again!!"

This was about 20 minutes into my shift and my manager insisted I go home early.

Always nice to know if I ever fail my art course I can still be of use when an ice addict needs some target practice.

[MaseMan]

Geez, why didn't you call the police? She assaulted you.

[Hanzoku]

Next time? Call a manager over immediately when they begin throwing things at you - especially anything that has a good chance of harming you, like heavy packs of batteries. Bonus points if they make death threats in the process.

[SiobhanCecilia]

Geez, why didn't you call the police? She assaulted you.

I know, but I really just wanted to get her out. The really stupid thing is, I was on a back register, there was hardly anyone else in the store, and we can't call out using our regular phones (which can only call to other phones in the store). To ring out I would have needed a manager, and at the time there were none around

[Salted Grump]

There at least a camera pointed at your station? Call your manager, ask him to send a copy of the incident to the Police, at least, if possible.

Drugs or no, crazy or no, Assault is assault and that 'person-like-thing' needs to be shown what the consequences are with a visit to the Greybar Hilton.

[bainsidhe]

Hope it was just a momentary hurt. Even though your surgery is considered an outpatient surgery, it is a very...um...thorough surgery. There's a lot of healing that needs to be done and it takes a while. Wishing you a continued quick recovery!

[Amina516]

I am sorry. Please call someone over next time, you dont deserve that esp. after surgery.

[RootedPhoenix]

*offers chocolate*

No one deserves to be treated that way, especially after surgery.
Hopefully this woman won't get away with this. She shouldn't.

[jjllbb]

I am so sorry that happened to you. I would have been scared too.

[chainedbarista]

yes, if there's video of this bottom feeder, get it to the police; that's battery and her ass sounds like it needs some cleaning up (in more than one way). >

[LillFilly]

You and the manager need to call the police. You did not deserve that, she was in the wrong and you deserve justice. You also need a paper trail in case she comes back and assaults you again; since she did also threaten your life.

[Dave1982]

we can't call out using our regular phones (which can only call to other phones in the store). To ring out I would have needed a manager, and at the time there were none around

To the best of my knowledge, PBX phone systems that require a passcode to dial outside lines still let you dial 911 (or the local equivalent) without the code. I don't know about Australian law, but here in the US I believe this is a legal requirement. I'd be willing to bet there's a similar requirement in Australia. If nothing else, ask your manager about that.

[Exaspera]

If you have a video pic, post it and ban her from the store.

I had the same surgery 2 years ago. Wait until you go shopping!!!!!!! I can wear the cutest stuff now!!

[fireheart]

I know, but I really just wanted to get her out. The really stupid thing is, I was on a back register, there was hardly anyone else in the store, and we can't call out using our regular phones (which can only call to other phones in the store). To ring out I would have needed a manager, and at the time there were none around

If you can get PA access, use the security code if you know it.
if you can't, just calmly tell them you'll sort it out, pick up the phone slowly, dial the number for any department and just give them the code.

[MrsEclipse]

I was picturing that whole thing in my head as I was reading it, the crazy scabby lady, starting to yell, then hurling things at you, storming out and cursing and threatening. Then I picture you turning to the camera and saying, "Winners don't do drugs," before it fades to black.

Seriously, though, if you ever see her again promise me you'll get somewhere safe right away. Does duck and cover work for SCs? Or is that only for nuclear fallout?