Though the weather today wasn’t great, I still wanted to be out and about. After a meeting with someone, I walked around Old Town, window shopping and taking random cell phone photos of the beautiful antiques, clothing, flowers and anything that piqued my interest as I walked by. One of those things I DID NOT want to take a photo of was a harasser!

I had to head to an ATM for a quick second, so I turned onto N. Washington Street and headed north. As I walked towards Pendleton Street, I hear “Psst…psst!” I ignore it and it gets louder. I turn to see a man in a black SUV is doing it.

“Don’t say ‘Psst…psst!’ at me,” I say. “That is so rude!”

This guy says “Hawh?” Apparently he doesn’t get it or is simply playing dumb. He continues trying to get my attention! He doesn’t get that I don’t want it and never asked for it!

“I do not know you,” I said. “You are a stranger to me. PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE!”

This guy, who I could’ve sworn was originally heading straight up Washington, ended up turning left on Pendleton instead, giving me one more once over as he did. I had my cell phone camera ready as soon as he wouldn’t let up on the “Psst..psst!” mess, so when he turned onto Pendleton I managed to get a shot of him.

I waited for a moment to make sure he would continue on down Pendleton, scared he’d think about making a U-turn and try to stalk me. I was prepared to find somewhere to hide and call the police if he did!

Luckily he was gone for good, but unluckily for me the experience left me shaken for a moment and I was jumpy at any SUV that drove by me. I couldn’t catch his license plate (I would’ve if I did), but glad I got his photo so people can be on the lookout for him.

I hate that this loser got to me.

Submitted by Anonymous on 6/6/2010

Location:N. Washington Street & Pendleton Street, Alexandria, VA

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