“Writing to you about an odd experience I had at the CVS in Dupont Circle”

Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

Writing to you about an odd experience I had at the CVS in Dupont Circle this afternoon (Saturday). While I was shopping, I noticed a CVS employee searching the store for a customer and I overheard him saying something about her not wearing a mask.

Shortly after, I crossed paths with the woman but continued about my way. I then overheard the CVS employee confront the woman for not wearing a mask and I think maybe stealing as well? I’m not sure if the woman thought I directed the employee to her, but thereafter we crossed paths again at the register and as I stopped to look at an item on the side, she very intentionally (I have almost no doubt), brushed against me to “look” at an item right next to mine. It felt like some kind of show of intimidation.

I waited until she left the store to leave, and found her standing on the corner. I don’t know if she was waiting for me, but as I walked to my car she started to follow close behind. I felt bad vibes, so I called my boyfriend and told him to get out of the car and make his presence known (the street was otherwise empty). She stopped and watched me as I approached my car, and then crossed the street. I was very creeped out. The woman had a bronzy- orangish brown bob, tan skin, and was wearing very billowy black clothing. Just a heads up in case anyone else runs into her…”