MASON CITY – A handicapped man who trudged out of the Mason City Fleet Farm store nearly 2 years ago on his knees after he was denied use of a motorized cart by an employee has lost his lawsuit against the retailer.
The incident unfolded at the Mason City Fleet Farm, when a man posted a video sometime Monday, April 24. Shane Zahn, age 54, said “Went to Fleet Farm today to do some shopping. Paid for all my items and went to leave, was told I couldn’t use the wheelchair to go to the car. Returned all my items and had to walk out on my hands and knees. Just trying to make people aware of how Fleet Farm treats handicapped customers.”
The video apparently shows the man leaving the store on his knees as some commentary is made.
A statement was released soon after the incident by Wayne Sales, CEO of Mills Fleet Farm:
Mills Fleet Farm in Mason City
On behalf of the entire Mills Fleet Farm Team,We are aware of an unfortunate incident at our Mason City, Iowa, Mills Fleet Farm store where a Mills team member wouldn’t allow a disabled person to use an electric cart in our parking lot. While use of carts in the parking lot with the uneven terrain can pose a hazard, we feel that in this instance our team member made the wrong decision. We apologize to the customer and to everyone who may be affected.
Mills Fleet Farm has been a part of lives of Midwesterners for more than 61 years. Here, we did not live up to the values or the service our customers have come to expect from us. We should have gone the extra mile and helped the customer use the cart to return to his vehicle after shopping. Our goal is to speak with the customer and make things right for him. What occurred is in no way reflective of our values, and we will use the incident to learn and to improve our services.
Zahn filed a lawsuit over the incident in Cerro Gordo county district court. A jury quickly dismissed the claim on Feb. 9, 2019.
Good. Maybe this skank will learn something from this. He acted like a thoroughly spoiled child threw a tantrum and got what he deserved for it. Occasionally there is justice around here. Now if only we could get the courts to have better judgement about meth addicts and career criminals that enjoy b&e as well as assault.
Al Sharpton shakes down retail corporations regularly with his “National Action Network” Only difference, Sharpton uses race instead of fake disability.
Anonymous
5 years ago
Good. Maybe this spank will learn something from this. He acted like a thoroughly spoiled child three a tantrum and got what he deserved for it. Occasionally there is justice around here. Now if only we could get the courts to have better judgement about meth addicts and career criminals that enjoy b&e as well as assault.
Anonymous
5 years ago
He tried to run a con and got caught at it. He is a disgrace to disabled people every where.
Diane
5 years ago
Just a question……How did he get into the store? Walking on his knees? Or does he have a wheelchair? Or?
Good question. I heard this guy is a total tool who is known to be after somebody else’s ‘easy money’ and that he has tried other variations of this scam before.
I am surprised he found a lawyer to take his case. Doubt he had money for legal fees. I would think the case was too weak for a contingency fee agreement. I agree, fleet farms legal fees should be on him.
Too bad fleet farm threw the employee under the bus for following the company’s policy. He may have a better case than this guy.
Good. Maybe this skank will learn something from this. He acted like a thoroughly spoiled child threw a tantrum and got what he deserved for it. Occasionally there is justice around here. Now if only we could get the courts to have better judgement about meth addicts and career criminals that enjoy b&e as well as assault.
Al Sharpton shakes down retail corporations regularly with his “National Action Network” Only difference, Sharpton uses race instead of fake disability.
Good. Maybe this spank will learn something from this. He acted like a thoroughly spoiled child three a tantrum and got what he deserved for it. Occasionally there is justice around here. Now if only we could get the courts to have better judgement about meth addicts and career criminals that enjoy b&e as well as assault.
He tried to run a con and got caught at it. He is a disgrace to disabled people every where.
Just a question……How did he get into the store? Walking on his knees? Or does he have a wheelchair? Or?
Good question. I heard this guy is a total tool who is known to be after somebody else’s ‘easy money’ and that he has tried other variations of this scam before.
He should at least pay all the court costs.
I am surprised he found a lawyer to take his case. Doubt he had money for legal fees. I would think the case was too weak for a contingency fee agreement. I agree, fleet farms legal fees should be on him.
Too bad fleet farm threw the employee under the bus for following the company’s policy. He may have a better case than this guy.
Yes, Fleet Farm initially dropped the ball on this, but at least, they didn’t cave in and “pony up”