Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The manhunt for a North Carolina resident who pretended to be a shoe saleman so that he could suck on the feet of unsuspecting shoppers has come to an end, with one Michael A. Brown being charged with assault.
Police received complaints from several shoppers in both Kmart and Wal-Mart, who told how Brown posed as a podiatry student conducting a survey on the feet of different races and nationalities.
According to WCNC TV: "[Victim] Erika Porras was shopping Monday when police say Brown allegedly approached her and asked if he could help her try on shoes.
"He said, ‘Follow me to the shoe department.’
"She thought he worked at the store and agreed to try on shoes when Brown told her he was a podiatry student, police say.
"Erika’s daughter Kattie told us, ‘He said, ‘I need to take a picture for research,’ and when he did, he stuck her foot in his mouth.'"
The 31-year-old was charged with assault on a female, with Detective Harris calling the incident: "Kind of bizarre, strange."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments