Lawsuit filed against Colorado Springs Dollar Tree following sexual assault arrest

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A lawsuit has been filed against Dollar Tree following a sexual assault at a store in Colorado Springs, accusing the retailer of creating a culture of crime through its staffing policies.

The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred in March of last year at the Dollar Tree location on North Academy Boulevard, just south of Highway 25.

The suit claims that Dollar Tree's practice of lightly staffing its stores turns locations into magnets for criminal activity, placing both employees and shoppers at risk. It highlights the March incident in which a woman, her two-year-old son, and her mother were targeted while inside the store.

According to the court filing, while shopping for her son's birthday, she noticed a man following her closely. Despite her efforts to create distance, the man repeatedly invaded her personal space until she felt something wet on her back, later discovering semen on her hair and shirt.

The man was subsequently charged and convicted for the Colorado Springs attack. He was also convicted for a separate incident that occurred several months earlier at another Dollar Tree store.

The lawsuit alleges a wider national pattern, citing past incidents of individuals exposing themselves and publicly masturbating inside Dollar Tree locations across the country.

Dollar Tree responded to the legal action with a statement addressing its security protocols and told KRDO13:

"The safety and security of our associates and customers are our highest priorities. We take reports of inappropriate, unlawful, or harassing behavior in our stores extremely seriously. Any incident of this nature is unacceptable, and when we become aware of criminal activity, we cooperate fully with law enforcement and support their investigations.

Dollar Tree is committed to having effective safety and security programs. Through policies, training, and operational procedures, we work to maintain a safe and secure environment for associates, customers, and visitors. Our efforts include ongoing safety education, regular policy reviews, risk assessment and mitigation activities, investments in physical security measures, and collaboration with local law enforcement. We continuously evaluate and strengthen these programs as part of our commitment to the wellbeing and safety of everyone in our facilities."

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