Investigation Underway After Redmond Cannabis Employee Sprays Individual with Fire Extinguisher

REDMOND, Wash. — Redmond police are delving into an incident that occurred on December 8, when an employee of Hashtag Cannabis was recorded on surveillance footage spraying a person with a fire extinguisher. After the video was circulated on social media, police were alerted and initiated an investigation.

The Incident: A Closer Look

The moment captured on the video, which is only three seconds long, shows an individual standing on the sidewalk near the entrance of Hashtag Cannabis holding what appears to be a cardboard sign. The lack of context leading up to this pivotal moment has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the motive behind the employee’s actions.

Public Information Officer Jill Green spoke with KING 5, explaining the department’s proactive approach: “We always appreciate the vigilance of community members. If you see something, say something,” she said. The department started receiving notifications about the social media posts on December 18, prompting a response from law enforcement.

Response from Hashtag Cannabis

Logan Bowers, the owner of Hashtag Cannabis, wasted no time in addressing the incident once it came to light. He confirmed that the employee involved has been fired, emphasizing that their actions were in direct violation of the company’s policies. “The conduct displayed by this former employee was a direct violation of our company policies, as outlined in our employee handbook and is completely inconsistent with the values, principles, and standards we uphold. We ended their employment promptly after learning of the incident,” Bowers stated.

Bowers further reassured the public, saying, “At Hashtag, we value the trust and safety of our customers and community, and we take situations like this very seriously. We always aim to address such issues promptly and with the utmost care.” His statement illustrates the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.

Current Investigation Status

As the investigation unfolds, police are eager to identify the individual who was sprayed. Jill Green expressed concern for their welfare and mentioned the possibility of pressing criminal charges. “We’re worried about their welfare and we also want to talk to them to see if they want to press criminal charges,” she noted.

Although the nature of any potential charges remains ambiguous, their determination is closely linked to the identification of the victim and their willingness to cooperate with the investigation. “If there is a victim to substantiate the charge and press charges, that helps us with our investigation,” Green explained.

Hashtag Cannabis: A History of Security Concerns

This alarming incident isn’t entirely isolated. Like many cannabis dispensaries, Hashtag Cannabis has faced its share of challenges, specifically smash-and-grab attacks. Over the past 18 months, the store has reported at least five such incidents, raising concerns about security protocols and the safety of both employees and customers.

As police continue their investigation and the cannabis store takes steps to reassess its policies, both the company and the community are left to grapple with the repercussions of this unexpected episode. Ensuring safety, addressing concerns, and maintaining a positive environment will be key priorities moving forward.

Conclusion

The incident involving the employee of Hashtag Cannabis serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and proper conduct in the workplace. As the investigation progresses, updates from law enforcement and leadership within the store will be crucial for restoring confidence among patrons and ensuring the safety of all individuals in the vicinity.