I was walking home from studying at the GWU library and a man was standing in front of Trader Joe’s on my way home. I was across the street and when he saw me, he started walking across the street. Naturally feeling uncomfortable I crossed toward Trader Joe’s to get far away from him and he said “Hey” in a loud voice. I ignored him and kept walking but he continued shouting to me in spanish, asking me what my name was, how old I am and “what’s up.” I continued to walk away until he screamed “HEY, STOP” and I felt that he was closer than he should have been if he had kept walking.

I turned and saw him coming toward me so I shouted, “Leave me alone please, leave me alone.” He continued walking toward me speaking spanish so I screamed, “LEAVE ME ALONE LEAVE ME ALONE.” I saw lights coming on in apartments above me and he must have too because he put his hands up and said, “what time is it?” I responded, “Leave me alone” and he began slowly b acking away, continuously asking for the time. Finally, I felt he was a safe distance away for me to continue walking home, but I never completely turned my back to him. I watched as he turned the corner and out of sight and then waited to make sure he didn’t come back to see where I lived.

This was a terrifying experience at the time and I refuse to walk home alone now! Be careful out there, even in the “safest” neighborhoods, anything can happen.

Submitted by anonymous

Location: 25th and L NW (Trader Joe’s)

Time of harassment: Late Night (12A-5A)

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