Worker yells, swears, and threatens to kill me?

Question

About 3 years ago I was walking down the stairs in my condo building to my car in the garage. I was on my way to a college exam. I then encountered a carpet installer applying glue on the ground. I asked him politely if I could get by him so I could continue down the stairs. However, I accidently stepped on a tiny bit of his work. I was about to apologize to him but couldn't because he went BALLISTIC on me. He completely exploded with anger. He swore at me, threatened to kill me. He then grabbed my shoe and yanked it off (making me almost fall). He then shoved the shoe in my face and ordered me to go up to my room and change into other shoes.

I couldn't believe what had happened. I was in absolute shock and disbelief. I'm angry with myself for not telling him to act professionally and not be so aggressive. I think I was too submissive.

I understand that someone would be frustrated with somone steping on their work but this is just WRONG.

Anything like this happen to you?

Answer 1

You should have reported him to the building manger. And he had no right to touch you nor threaten you in anyway let alone kill you ! You should have called the police ! I can only wonder what he'd have done to a little child ! Yes once some guy was in a store and going out the door the same time I was he opened the door and pushed me a side so he could get out first and let the door just about slam in my face ! I said "Thanks a lot !" And he turned around as if he were going to hit me.I yelled right at him "You hit me and I'll scream so loud that every cop east and west and Mississippi will be here pronto !" By then others crowed around and he took off.

Answer 2

It has never happened to me, but I would have called the condo management company and registered an complaint.  I also would have called the police and had him arrested for assault, he should never have laid his hands on you.

Answer 3

LOL...did it happen in San Antonio?  I know a floor installer here who's a real nutcase, we had to move because of him (he was our neighbor).  

Anyhow, it shouldn't have happened to you.  You should have called the police and made a report of the assault and gone and pressed charges against him.  You should also have talked to the condo association and gotten the name of the company and made a complaint to his supervisor.  

Since it's been three years, though, it's time to move on and quit dwelling on it now.  And if something like that ever happens again, call the police.

Answer 4

it's the guy who got ballistic who has a problem

Answer 5

Report it to management

Answer 6

The guy was probably woozy from all the adhesive fumes he was breathing all day.   Be glad you don't have to do that kind of work.

Answer 7

You should have called the police.  He made terroristic threats and assaulted you.  This was 3 years ago, though?  You need therapy if you still think about it this much.

Answer 8

Oh, simply pray for that guy.  I am sure, he has a serious problem  which triggered him to explode his anger on you.  It's good he did not harm you that much.  Just try to ignore that and the next time you meet him, greet him or even hand him something to eat.

Take care and GOD BLESS!

Answer 9

Nothing like this has actually happened to me, but I'd still advise you to ignore this childish tantrum and move on if you can. He did assault you by pulling your shoe off, but is it worth causing more trouble over a shoe?

After all, although he had put a lot of time and effort into his work, you did at least ask him if you could pass, rather than simply step over his work, which would have been a good reason to tell you off - albeit not quite so forcefully.

You definitely deserved to be treated with much more respect than this. Have you thought of trying to find out the name of his firm and having a quiet word with his supervisors about his behaviour, if you want to do something about it? His supervisor may then let him know that his behaviour is unprofessional and unacceptable, putting him on warning as to his future behaviour.

Hope his behaviour didn't disrupt your studies too much!

Answer 10

This dude sounds bi-polar.  You should have told him to mind his own business.  You should report his behaviour to the company he works for.

Answer 11

Not quite like this....but yes, no as bad.

I do know, under a lot of pressure...people can just snap!

I have done it.....we all may do it.

It can even happen....and you don't even know''what the heck''?.....I nearly once thru a phone at someone.

It never happened ever again(and I was in a dreadful time of my life)