Taryn Border
June 17 at 12:50am
·
ATTENTION
This morning I was followed by this man to Heart Roasters Coffee downtown. This photo was taken by myself after this man followed me and then proceeded to stare me down and “wait for me” as I waited for my beverage in front of 12+ individuals. He stood here, maintaining this direct eye contact for five minutes, without flinching, while I proceeded to photograph him and call the police.
As I panicked, unsure on how to leave the building, another woman passed by and he decided she would be his next target. After waiting for my beverage and expressing serious concern to the barista, I decided to discreetly follow them with caution to ensure this woman’s safety while I was on the phone with dispatch. I followed for quite a few blocks, witnessing her attempt to throw him off her trail but he persistently followed. Dispatch expressed extreme concern for my safety and asked that I head back to a safe space (work) and wait for an officer to report to the scene.
What followed when the officer arrived was almost more disturbing than the incident itself. My concern was for the woman who was currently being followed. My “help” was immediately aggressive and militant, cutting me off, saying that no laws had been broken, and that I was out of line to assume any negative intention. Officer Froesch (Portland’s very own “Hometown Hero”) repeatedly mocked and laughed at me, asking how long I had been a police officer and compared the situation to somebody calling the cops on me for looking at them weird. At this point I was visibly shaken and crying, and asking him at what point can a woman being followed call and count on the police and be able to rely on receiving help. Unable to answer that question, I was constantly reminded that no laws had been broken and that men are free to follow women as they please. The officer refused to look at my photographs or drive around the block to check on this woman and her safety.
I will be filing a report in complaint of this officer. In light of frequent attempted assault/kidnapping of women and children in the Portland area as of late, we need to raise awareness, stick together, and be aware of the negligence we may receive from law enforcement.
Sharing is encouraged.
Be safe, stay strong.
June 17 at 12:50am
·
ATTENTION
This morning I was followed by this man to Heart Roasters Coffee downtown. This photo was taken by myself after this man followed me and then proceeded to stare me down and “wait for me” as I waited for my beverage in front of 12+ individuals. He stood here, maintaining this direct eye contact for five minutes, without flinching, while I proceeded to photograph him and call the police.
As I panicked, unsure on how to leave the building, another woman passed by and he decided she would be his next target. After waiting for my beverage and expressing serious concern to the barista, I decided to discreetly follow them with caution to ensure this woman’s safety while I was on the phone with dispatch. I followed for quite a few blocks, witnessing her attempt to throw him off her trail but he persistently followed. Dispatch expressed extreme concern for my safety and asked that I head back to a safe space (work) and wait for an officer to report to the scene.
What followed when the officer arrived was almost more disturbing than the incident itself. My concern was for the woman who was currently being followed. My “help” was immediately aggressive and militant, cutting me off, saying that no laws had been broken, and that I was out of line to assume any negative intention. Officer Froesch (Portland’s very own “Hometown Hero”) repeatedly mocked and laughed at me, asking how long I had been a police officer and compared the situation to somebody calling the cops on me for looking at them weird. At this point I was visibly shaken and crying, and asking him at what point can a woman being followed call and count on the police and be able to rely on receiving help. Unable to answer that question, I was constantly reminded that no laws had been broken and that men are free to follow women as they please. The officer refused to look at my photographs or drive around the block to check on this woman and her safety.
I will be filing a report in complaint of this officer. In light of frequent attempted assault/kidnapping of women and children in the Portland area as of late, we need to raise awareness, stick together, and be aware of the negligence we may receive from law enforcement.
Sharing is encouraged.
Be safe, stay strong.
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