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  1. #1

    Default Can I File Charges Against Stalking

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: MA

    I work as a store assistant in the mall and there is a guy who has been coming to my store over the past 3 months. He comes around once a week but does not buy anything. He leaves in like 5 minutes every time he walks in. His behavior has been odd, even though he hasn't done or said anything offensive or harmful.

    Last week he tried to talk to me in the parking lot. I saw him walking towards my car and I fled away. I have not seen him since but I'm freaked out. (I'm a 23 year old female)

    What can I do? What kind of proof would I need to charge him for stalking?

    Thanks,
    Vega

  2. #2

    Default Re: Can I File Charges Against Stalking

    Quote Quoting Vegastick1980
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    I work as a store assistant in the mall and there is a guy who has been coming to my store over the past 3 months. He comes around once a week but does not buy anything. He leaves in like 5 minutes every time he walks in. His behavior has been odd, even though he hasn't done or said anything offensive or harmful.

    Last week he tried to talk to me in the parking lot. I saw him walking towards my car and I fled away. I have not seen him since but I'm freaked out. (I'm a 23 year old female)

    What can I do?
    Next time he's in the store, you walk up to him and say "I see you here frequently, is there something in particular you're looking for"? There's no point in being "freaked out" by someone who visits a retail establishment that's open to the public unless he's actually DONE something or you've got some pattern of behavior that would make a reasonable person be afraid. If you've got something more than a creepy feeling, you can certainly speak to your manager and let them know your concern.


    What kind of proof would I need to charge him for stalking?
    You don't. Only the state's prosecutor decides if someone gets charged with a crime. What YOU can do is file a police report, but just showing up at a store once a week for a few minutes and trying to talk to you in a parking lot ONE time isn't going to result in a criminal charge.

    If he's coming into your store right out in public and all, have you thought about just ASKING him what's up? Maybe he thinks you're hot and wants to ask you out. Maybe he's actually shopping for something at your store, or checking prices as a mystery shopper, or any number of other things. So far I'm not seeing any reason to jump right to "stalking" unless you're extremely paranoid or there's more to the story.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Can I File Charges Against Stalking

    He might just be a weirdo, or a shy guy who likes you but doesn't know how to approach you, or a stalker. Right now you don't have enough information to go to the police with. Maybe things will become clearer if you do let him say something to you if he wants to. But be vigilant. Point him out to a coworker and/or manager. Be careful if you are in the store or leave the store alone.

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