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After Customer Crosses The Line, Barista Smashes His Windshield
After Customer Crosses The Line, Barista Smashes His Windshield
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After Customer Crosses The Line, Barista Smashes His Windshield

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A barista at a drive-through coffee stand in South Seattle used a hammer to shatter a customer’s windshield following a heated verbal altercation with the man.

Emma Lee, the owner and sole employee of the coffee stand Taste of Heaven Espresso, claims that the customer threatened her on Tuesday (June 11) after being displeased with the price of the coffee he had ordered.

Highlights
  • A barista at a drive-through coffee stand in South Seattle used a hammer to shatter a customer's windshield after the man allegedly threatened her.
  • Emma Lee said the customer became violent over the price of the coffee.
  • After the incident, Lee called the police, and they made the customer leave the premises.

Other customers tried to calm the man down for 10 minutes, but he remained agitated and continued to display violent behavior. 

At one point, the customer threw his drinks back at Lee as she closed the drive-through window.

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    Image credits: Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash (Not the actual photo)

    Image credits: KIRO 7

    Lee explained that the man had told her, “Nobody’s going to miss you,” before he threw his coffee, a comment she understood to be a threat.

    “Disrespect and violence are two different things. I can handle the disrespect. The violence, that’s where the line is crossed,” the worker toldKIRO 7.

    “It’s one thing to yell, it’s one thing to get mad, it’s one thing to even be outside of your car and try to threaten me. But to actually have the action behind it, it changed things for me where I was like, ‘Oh no.'”

    Emma Lee explained that the man told her, “Nobody’s going to miss you” during the verbal altercation

    Image credits: KIRO 7

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    Image credits: KIRO 7

    The barista then grabbed a hammer and smashed it into the man’s windshield.

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    The customer reportedly drove off but refused to leave the premises, leading Lee to call the police.

    “The police came, and they got him to leave. It was understood that what happened is he assaulted me, and I responded,” she explained.

    The man reportedly became aggressive after he found out that the coffee he had ordered was too expensive

    Image credits: KIRO 7

    “Disrespect and violence are two different things. I can handle the disrespect. The violence, that’s where the line is crossed,” the worker said

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    Image credits: KIRO 7

    Image credits: KIRO 7

    Speaking on the local broadcast, Lee encouraged other women to stand up for themselves against instances of assault.

    “I know so many women that haven’t defended themselves in situations they definitely should have and could have because we know that the repercussion, more likely than not, is going to fall on the woman that responds to the violence than the initial violence inflicted.

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    “At what point are we told we’re supposed to just wait for it to get worse?”

    No arrests have been made following the incident.

    Many people supported Lee for standing up for herself after being threatened

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    Poll Question

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    Read less »
    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    Jojo Armani
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn’t deserve what she got; he did.

    Snow_White
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I came here to upvote everyone who agrees with the woman. To all the others - what is wrong with you? Would you have the same reaction if this was two males? Would you have the same reaction to a buly?

    Justin Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Yes. I would think that the f****r smashing a hammer into a window is worse. Cause it is. The possability for injuring the person in the car is astronomical higher then a f*****g iced coffee thrown. And btw to ciunter your statement swich the genders instead of turning them both to males. If a man did this to a woman its an over reaction.

    Load More Replies...
    MsLou
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for her! Enough is enough and police do not do anything until it's too late!

    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There must be a pretty awful customer among us downvoting almost everyone. 🤣

    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And quicker than The Flash himself 🤣

    Load More Replies...
    Jill Taylor
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She had the hammer within reach! That wasn’t her first rodeo with a d-bag customer.

    Ephemera Image
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a former shop owner, yes, I had a hammer behind my desk. And yes, I'm a woman.

    Load More Replies...
    Rodney Bowie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read this funny quote somewhere and I think it applies here. "It was the f*ck-aroundiest of times, it was the find-outies of times."

    Kai
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well maybe that guy learned actions do have consequences. He was starting a fight...

    LooseSeal's $10 Banana
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So he ordered a drink (presumably knowing how much it would cost), paid for said drink (I've never been given food at a drive through without first paying), and then wasted said drink by pouring it on someone who has exactly 0 input into prices.

    Rae Andringa
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Load More Replies...
    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s weird that at the same time people are getting absurdly sensitive, they also seem to be getting more aggressive and violent. I refuse to believe the price of the coffee wasn’t posted for him to see. She’s my hero! ❤️

    Mia C
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I fear for this woman. I have a feeling he could be plotting his revenge. Please stay vigilant and safe

    Omegawhite (BLenz)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's guilty of assault, she's guilty of destruction of property. Both looking at potential charges, right or wrong.

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well there's a misogynist here having a fine old time with the down vote button..... Tonnes down voted. Someone's in a bit of a tissy aren't you dear??

    Panda Guy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, if you watch the actual video, he throws two cups of coffee at the CLOSED window. You can clearly see ice from the first cup bouncing off it. Only after he throws the second cup do you see her OPEN the window and smash his windshield with the hammer. So, what part of throwing liquid at a CLOSED window would be considered assault?

    Zach Bigalke
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact he said "Nobody's going to miss you" right before taking such actions.

    Load More Replies...
    Philly Bob Squires
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously, don't throw s**t at your waitstaff, bartenders, baristas etc.

    Bill C. Riemers
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    By retaliation with a hammer against property it was clearly established this was not self defense. The police could have charged both but instead choice neither. Both though have valid civil cases. A judge would likely rule each liable. If the damages where equal it would be no net judgement. But the costs of damage to the car is might greater than that of the coffee stain. She appears to admit guilt to the reporter, so if this is pursued in court she likely will find it an expense bit of revenge.

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read about the laws of Seattle, Mr. Bill.

    Load More Replies...
    Szzone aka Rottyintós Batman
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's it? The police asked him to leave? Thwt's all they did? The guy should have been handcuffed on the hood of his car

    Hannah Taylor
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And drive it on the freeway at 60 mph.

    Load More Replies...
    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Bravo, I would have aimed for the skull though, the car is innocent.

    Dave Hinckley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    He saw the hammer and bolted. The windshield was in range.

    Load More Replies...
    Gale Christensen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my 100% honest opinion, as a woman for 52 years and a service worker for 35 of those, service peope in general, but especially FEMALE service workers shoud start doing this regularly. If we star making it expensively clear this kind of BS behavior is not going to be tolerated, I bet you dollars to doughnuts it will stop being as big of a problem.

    Ivona
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her reaction was the violent one and she should be fired and forced to pay for repairing the damage she caused.

    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a bada$$! Serves him right.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I worked a drive thru I would definitely have bear spray on me.

    Zach Bigalke
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bear spray sucks, especially if you're spraying it in an enclosed space. I had two coworkers find a can once when I was working as a housekeeper in my teen years. They sprayed it in the employee bathroom... and 3 hours later I had to go to the doctor with some mighty sensitive burns after using that bathroom.

    Load More Replies...
    Carole G.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair enough. Ya get what ya give 👏👏👏

    MMM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, how much was the coffee? 😂

    Joanne Earle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish they reported what lead up to the whole confrontation. I don't condone the actions of either party based on this info.

    Marnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The man should have been arrested for assault if it was hot coffee. If it were McDonald's hot, she could have ended up having skin grafts and permanent scarring.

    Dave Hinckley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Where's the guy in the picture when she hit the windshield? Cowering?

    Rodney McKay
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    𝗠aking 𝗔merica 𝗚rotesque 𝗔gain

    Josh Dinelli
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is pure drivel! I know women are going to be victimized by the man after they've been victimized by the man

    El Dee
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    When you work in retail and work on your own you don't respond by escalating matters. A thrown coffee is one thing but using a hammer takes it several steps further. This could easily have ended VERY badly. Close the window, call the cops - leave it there. It's not about winning the argument, it's about staying alive..

    some guy
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Typical basketball-american behavior

    Wallace Freeman
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I recommend she get a Glock 19. She can customize it to her desires later. It's lots of fun.

    Jojo Armani
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn’t deserve what she got; he did.

    Snow_White
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I came here to upvote everyone who agrees with the woman. To all the others - what is wrong with you? Would you have the same reaction if this was two males? Would you have the same reaction to a buly?

    Justin Smith
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Yes. I would think that the f****r smashing a hammer into a window is worse. Cause it is. The possability for injuring the person in the car is astronomical higher then a f*****g iced coffee thrown. And btw to ciunter your statement swich the genders instead of turning them both to males. If a man did this to a woman its an over reaction.

    Load More Replies...
    MsLou
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for her! Enough is enough and police do not do anything until it's too late!

    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There must be a pretty awful customer among us downvoting almost everyone. 🤣

    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And quicker than The Flash himself 🤣

    Load More Replies...
    Jill Taylor
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She had the hammer within reach! That wasn’t her first rodeo with a d-bag customer.

    Ephemera Image
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a former shop owner, yes, I had a hammer behind my desk. And yes, I'm a woman.

    Load More Replies...
    Rodney Bowie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read this funny quote somewhere and I think it applies here. "It was the f*ck-aroundiest of times, it was the find-outies of times."

    Kai
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well maybe that guy learned actions do have consequences. He was starting a fight...

    LooseSeal's $10 Banana
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So he ordered a drink (presumably knowing how much it would cost), paid for said drink (I've never been given food at a drive through without first paying), and then wasted said drink by pouring it on someone who has exactly 0 input into prices.

    Rae Andringa
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Load More Replies...
    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s weird that at the same time people are getting absurdly sensitive, they also seem to be getting more aggressive and violent. I refuse to believe the price of the coffee wasn’t posted for him to see. She’s my hero! ❤️

    Mia C
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I fear for this woman. I have a feeling he could be plotting his revenge. Please stay vigilant and safe

    Omegawhite (BLenz)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's guilty of assault, she's guilty of destruction of property. Both looking at potential charges, right or wrong.

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well there's a misogynist here having a fine old time with the down vote button..... Tonnes down voted. Someone's in a bit of a tissy aren't you dear??

    Panda Guy
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, if you watch the actual video, he throws two cups of coffee at the CLOSED window. You can clearly see ice from the first cup bouncing off it. Only after he throws the second cup do you see her OPEN the window and smash his windshield with the hammer. So, what part of throwing liquid at a CLOSED window would be considered assault?

    Zach Bigalke
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact he said "Nobody's going to miss you" right before taking such actions.

    Load More Replies...
    Philly Bob Squires
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously, don't throw s**t at your waitstaff, bartenders, baristas etc.

    Bill C. Riemers
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    By retaliation with a hammer against property it was clearly established this was not self defense. The police could have charged both but instead choice neither. Both though have valid civil cases. A judge would likely rule each liable. If the damages where equal it would be no net judgement. But the costs of damage to the car is might greater than that of the coffee stain. She appears to admit guilt to the reporter, so if this is pursued in court she likely will find it an expense bit of revenge.

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read about the laws of Seattle, Mr. Bill.

    Load More Replies...
    Szzone aka Rottyintós Batman
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's it? The police asked him to leave? Thwt's all they did? The guy should have been handcuffed on the hood of his car

    Hannah Taylor
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    And drive it on the freeway at 60 mph.

    Load More Replies...
    Orysha
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Bravo, I would have aimed for the skull though, the car is innocent.

    Dave Hinckley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    He saw the hammer and bolted. The windshield was in range.

    Load More Replies...
    Gale Christensen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my 100% honest opinion, as a woman for 52 years and a service worker for 35 of those, service peope in general, but especially FEMALE service workers shoud start doing this regularly. If we star making it expensively clear this kind of BS behavior is not going to be tolerated, I bet you dollars to doughnuts it will stop being as big of a problem.

    Ivona
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her reaction was the violent one and she should be fired and forced to pay for repairing the damage she caused.

    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a bada$$! Serves him right.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I worked a drive thru I would definitely have bear spray on me.

    Zach Bigalke
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bear spray sucks, especially if you're spraying it in an enclosed space. I had two coworkers find a can once when I was working as a housekeeper in my teen years. They sprayed it in the employee bathroom... and 3 hours later I had to go to the doctor with some mighty sensitive burns after using that bathroom.

    Load More Replies...
    Carole G.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair enough. Ya get what ya give 👏👏👏

    MMM
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, how much was the coffee? 😂

    Joanne Earle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish they reported what lead up to the whole confrontation. I don't condone the actions of either party based on this info.

    Marnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The man should have been arrested for assault if it was hot coffee. If it were McDonald's hot, she could have ended up having skin grafts and permanent scarring.

    Dave Hinckley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Where's the guy in the picture when she hit the windshield? Cowering?

    Rodney McKay
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    𝗠aking 𝗔merica 𝗚rotesque 𝗔gain

    Josh Dinelli
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is pure drivel! I know women are going to be victimized by the man after they've been victimized by the man

    El Dee
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    When you work in retail and work on your own you don't respond by escalating matters. A thrown coffee is one thing but using a hammer takes it several steps further. This could easily have ended VERY badly. Close the window, call the cops - leave it there. It's not about winning the argument, it's about staying alive..

    some guy
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Typical basketball-american behavior

    Wallace Freeman
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I recommend she get a Glock 19. She can customize it to her desires later. It's lots of fun.

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