Dollar Tree Employee Fired and Charged After Caught on Video Attacking Customer With Mace Inside Store
UNITED STATES — A Dollar Tree employee has been terminated and charged with assault following a violent in-store altercation that was captured on video and has since gone viral across social media. The shocking footage shows a confrontation escalating into a physical attack, during which a customer was allegedly struck and maced inside the aisles of a Dollar Tree location.
The affected customer, who sustained minor injuries, is reportedly pursuing legal action against both the employee and Dollar Tree, alleging negligence and failure to protect customers from harm.
According to early reports shared by multiple social media outlets, the incident occurred when a disagreement between a customer and a store worker escalated from verbal exchange to physical aggression. Witnesses say the employee appeared visibly agitated before allegedly reaching for a can of mace and spraying it directly at the customer’s face.
“It all happened fast — she went from yelling to swinging and then sprayed him,” one witness reportedly said. “People were trying to get out of the aisle because the mace was burning everyone’s eyes.”
Video Footage Sparks Outrage Online
The two-minute video, now circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, shows a chaotic scene inside the store’s health and beauty section. In the clip, a woman in a green shirt and black cap — identified as the Dollar Tree employee — appears to grab the customer by the head before deploying what witnesses claim was pepper spray or mace.
The video quickly drew thousands of comments condemning the behavior and demanding accountability from Dollar Tree. Many viewers expressed disbelief at the employee’s aggressive conduct in a retail setting.
“This is completely unacceptable — customers should never have to fear being attacked in a store,” one user commented under the viral post.
Following the incident, police arrived on the scene and took statements from both parties. The employee was charged with assault and later released pending further legal proceedings.
Company Response and Termination
In a statement to local media, Dollar Tree officials confirmed that the employee involved had been immediately terminated following an internal investigation. The company emphasized that it has zero tolerance for violence in any form and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
“We are aware of an altercation that took place at one of our locations and can confirm the associate involved is no longer employed with the company,” a Dollar Tree spokesperson said. “The safety and well-being of our customers and employees remain our top priority.”
While the company has not disclosed which location the incident occurred in, social media users have tagged multiple regional stores, prompting local law enforcement departments to release clarifying statements.
A Dollar Tree employee has been terminated and charged with assault following an incident in which a customer was attacked and maced.The affected individual is currently pursuing legal action against Dollar Tree. 😳💰 pic.twitter.com/Fta4egJoXR
— AD (@ADRWC) November 14, 2025
Legal Action in Progress
The customer involved has since retained legal counsel and announced plans to pursue civil litigation against both the individual and the corporation, alleging emotional distress, negligence, and physical harm. Attorneys representing the victim claim Dollar Tree failed to adequately train employees on conflict de-escalation and customer safety.
Legal experts note that while the store swiftly terminated the employee, the corporate liability question could still be significant if the plaintiff argues that management or company policies contributed to the escalation.
“Even if the employee acted independently, employers can still face lawsuits under certain negligence theories — especially if training or security measures were lacking,” said one workplace law analyst.
Public Reaction and Workplace Conduct Questions
The incident has reignited conversations about retail employee stress, customer aggression, and the fine line between self-defense and excessive force in service environments.
Some viewers have sympathized with store workers facing daily harassment, while others argue that violence can never be justified under any circumstances.
Videos of similar confrontations at discount retailers have surfaced in recent months, highlighting rising tensions between customers and employees amid ongoing staffing shortages and high-stress retail conditions.
Authorities are urging the public not to confront retail workers directly in disputes, and instead to report issues through official complaint channels.
The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to determine whether additional charges or civil penalties will follow.
What are your thoughts on the viral Dollar Tree confrontation? Should companies be held liable for employees’ violent actions, or is this an isolated case of misconduct? Join the discussion at NapervilleLocal.com.
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