Angie Harmon, an actor known for her work on TV shows such as “Law & Order” and “Rizzoli & Isles,” has filed a lawsuit against Instacart and one of its former shoppers after the shopper fatally shot her dog while delivering groceries to her North Carolina home. The lawsuit accuses Instacart of negligent hiring, supervision, and misrepresentation, among other allegations, and seeks monetary damages to be determined at trial. Instacart has stated that the shopper responsible for the incident has been permanently banned from its platform.
According to the lawsuit, Harmon ordered groceries from Instacart on March 30 and believed she was communicating with a female shopper named Merle. However, a different, male individual arrived to deliver the groceries, leading to the tragic shooting of Harmon’s dog, Oliver. Harmon heard a gunshot sound, rushed outside, and found her dog had been shot, with the delivery person putting a gun into his pants. The dog later died at the veterinarian’s office, causing distress to Harmon and her teenage daughters who were present at the time of the incident.
The shopper claimed to police that he shot the dog in self-defense after being attacked, but Harmon disputed this account, stating that the shopper did not have any injuries consistent with a dog attack. Instacart suspended the shopper immediately after the incident and later deactivated his account permanently. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that it conducts background checks on shoppers, prohibits them from carrying weapons, and has measures in place to prevent fraudulent activity, such as requiring shoppers to periodically take photos to match with their profile on file.
Harmon spoke out about the incident in an interview with ABC News, expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in her own driveway. She criticized Instacart for its alleged role in the incident, stating that the company is responsible for what happened. The lawsuit filed by Harmon seeks to hold both the shopper and Instacart accountable for trespassing, gross negligence, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The details of the incident and the ongoing legal proceedings have sparked debate and raised questions about the safety and accountability of delivery services.
While the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department did not pursue criminal charges against the shopper, the lawsuit filed by Harmon aims to seek justice and compensation for the loss of her beloved pet. The incident has brought attention to the potential risks associated with delivery services and the importance of thorough screening and training for employees. Instacart has expressed sympathy for Harmon and her family and reiterated its commitment to preventing violence of any kind. The outcome of the lawsuit and the impact of the incident on both Harmon and the delivery industry as a whole remain to be seen.
