ATLANTA, GA — A routine grocery trip turned chaotic on Tuesday when Monica Harris, 32, an Atlanta resident, reportedly lost control after her EBT card was declined at Peachtree Market, a neighborhood grocery store in Midtown.
According to eyewitnesses, Harris attempted to purchase several items when the transaction was refused. Frustrated by the declined card, she allegedly began yelling at store employees, cursing loudly, and threatening staff with pepper spray. Several customers reported feeling unsafe as the situation escalated.
“Everything was fine until she swiped her card,” said a witness, who asked to remain anonymous. “Then all of a sudden, she started screaming and waving that canister around. People were backing away—it was scary.”
Employees reportedly tried to calm Harris down, but she continued to verbally assault staff and brandish the pepper spray. The store manager called 911 after attempts to defuse the situation failed.
Atlanta police officers arrived within minutes and were able to apprehend Harris without further incident. She was taken into custody and is currently facing multiple charges, including assault, threatening behavior, and disorderly conduct.
Authorities remind residents that threatening behavior, especially with weapons such as pepper spray, will not be tolerated and can result in serious legal consequences. The incident has left Peachtree Market staff shaken but unharmed.
Police are investigating the events leading up to the altercation, including the circumstances around the declined EBT card. The store has stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Harris’ actions serve as a cautionary tale about maintaining composure during stressful situations, particularly in public settings, and the potential consequences of letting frustration turn into aggression.
