SEATTLE — A woman was arrested Thursday night after allegedly throwing hot coffee at a gas station employee during a confrontation in West Seattle.
Seattle police responded to the incident around 9:17 p.m. on April 10 at a gas station on the 5400 block of Delridge Way Southwest. Officers arrived to find a 45-year-old store clerk in visible pain, drenched in coffee, and suffering from burns to his face, neck, and chest.
Coffee Dispute Turns Violent
According to the clerk, the 33-year-old woman had been loitering inside the store for about 15 minutes before filling two cups with hot coffee from the beverage station. She left the store with one cup, leaving the second behind and allegedly making no effort to pay.
When the employee followed her outside to ask for payment, she reportedly turned and threw the coffee in his face. The suspect then ran across the street and entered a nearby apartment building.
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Claim of Self-Defense
Police tracked the woman to the apartment complex and took her into custody without further incident. During questioning, she claimed she acted in self-defense, a statement that will likely be evaluated during the legal process.
Robbery Charge Filed
She was booked into King County Jail on suspicion of robbery, a charge that reflects the use of force during a theft. Emergency responders from the Seattle Fire Department arrived at the scene to treat the employee, but he declined to go to the hospital.
Concerns for Employee Safety
Incidents like this underscore the risks faced by frontline workers in customer service roles. A simple attempt to address shoplifting can quickly escalate, leaving lasting physical and emotional effects on employees.
