Dollar General faces outrage after employee attacked by customer

In a shocking incident that sparked outrage, Michelle Renee Abney, a new employee at a Dollar General store in Laurel, Mississippi, was violently attacked by a customer just three weeks after starting her job. The incident, which occurred while her supervisors reportedly stood by and did nothing, raises serious questions about workplace safety and accountability.

The incident

On July 16, Abney shared her harrowing experience in an 18-minute Facebook Live video, describing how she was asked by a manager to unlock the ice machine for a customer, but had not received training on which key to use to do so, frustrating the customer, identified as Desmond Pollard, also known as “Big Dez.”

As tensions escalated, Pollard verbally attacked Abney, berating her for her lack of knowledge. Although she attempted to explain her situation, Pollard became violent, shoving and punching her before throwing her to the ground and kicking her with steel-toed boots.

Management inaction

Particularly alarming is the alleged inaction of Abney’s coworkers and supervisors during the attack. She described how several coworkers and supervisors watched as she was attacked and cited Pollard’s reputation in the community as the reason for their inaction. Abney stated that everyone was afraid of Pollard, and stressed that this fear did not stop anyone from helping her.

Police reaction and investigation

After the incident, Abney quit her job and reported the attack to Laurel police. An investigation is currently underway, and Pollard may face misdemeanor charges. According to Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox, the nature of Abney’s injuries — primarily abrasions and swelling — could qualify the incident as assault rather than aggravated battery.

Abney expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from Dollar General management, which reportedly refused to provide police with surveillance footage of the incident. Calls to the store and emails to corporate headquarters went unanswered, leaving many questions about the company’s commitment to employee safety.

Community reaction

Abney’s Facebook Live video has garnered widespread attention, garnering over 1.7 million views and thousands of comments expressing outrage and support for her. The incident has sparked discussions about workplace safety, the treatment of employees and the need for accountability in retail.

This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges facing retail workers, especially those who are new and vulnerable. As investigations continue, many are calling for justice for Michelle Renee Abney and a reassessment of safety protocols in workplaces across the country.