r/Broadripple • u/the-earth-says-hello • 1d ago
Rusted Moon Outfitters: Broad Ripple Beware
I just wanted to share an unsavory experience I had with Rusted Moon Outfitters this morning 08/31 around 9:30 am in Broad Ripple.
I (26 f) was not actually within the store or on the property, I was actually passing by with my coworkers on the way back from a coffee run, and was on the sidewalk in front of the store front. An older man in a pick up truck was unloading a model airplane, and jokingly asked my coworkers and I if we wanted to go on a plane ride.
We responded and joked back with him, one of my coworkers even jokingly said yes. It was all light hearted, until it wasn’t.
As I passed him, he got way too close, grabbed me by the arm and pulled me toward him saying “oh, i like this one! What are you doing later?”
With his grip still on me, I knee-jerk responded by saying “no thanks, I appreciate it” and removed myself from his grip. My group and I at that point were all very aware of how inappropriate this situation was and continued back toward the office.
He then proceeded to call out after us, asking us where we worked, what building, etc.
I tried to ignore how much it bothered me, but for how easily it was for him to grab a random female stranger, literally off the street, he is definitely a dangerous person.
I actually went back hours later to confront the store, as it wasn’t yet clear if he was affiliated with Rusted Moon or not. After asking the staff who brought in the model plane, I was told the man in question was actually the store owner. After reminding them of the situation, it was clear that they were at least mildly aware of the situation, and very aware of his behavior, as one of the male staff members’ response was “yea, he’s kind of a weird guy, but he means well.”
Um, no. His actions absolutely did not communicate well meaning intentions. And for the staff to just brush over it was mildly expected, but disappointing nonetheless.
I guess this is all just meant to pose as a small vent and a large warning to any femme/female customers who find themselves heading to Rusted Moon Outfitters in Broad Ripple: The owner is completely out of pocket and a threat towards women, and I stand ten toes down on that. F you, dude.