Life in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, isn’t always easy for Tara Plum, a 36-year-old Instacart driver. As a liberal in a conservative community, Plum has had her fair share of challenges. Recently, she came across a problematic situation during a delivery that left an elderly couple shocked and upset.
While making her usual rounds, Plum noticed a pro-police Blue Lives Matter flag in the driveway of her next delivery. This sight angered her, leading her to scribble offensive words on the receipt and deliberately smash the grocery bags with her vehicle. The groceries were worth around $50 and were meant for the elderly couple, who awaited their delivery in anticipation.
The couple, witnessing this outrageous behavior, were left bewildered and hurt. Plum even shouted at them before driving away, pointing to the wreath on their front door as a clue to why she had destroyed their order. This incident took place on December 6, 2021, with groceries from a nearby Cub Foods store.
According to the Blaine Police Department, Plum wrote, “Instacart doesn’t pay employees. Sry [sic] find another slave. F*** the police” on the receipt. She also called the elderly couple “racist pigs” for supporting the police and showing appreciation for their service. Plum’s actions did not go unpunished. She has been cited for criminal damage to property and could face up to ninety days behind bars.
Thankfully, the elderly couple has been reimbursed for their damaged groceries, and Instacart has fired Plum from their workforce. However, the investigation is still underway, with Blaine police officers looking into the incident. Captain Mark Boerboom explained that to prove the act was committed based on discrimination, they would need to establish that it was motivated by the victim’s race, religion, or other protected factors.
Plum has taken to Facebook to express her thoughts on the citation. She defends her actions, claiming that she ran over the groceries because she wasn’t paid to deliver them. She seems unapologetic about her behavior, even after facing consequences for it.
Following the incident, Plum stopped at a nearby pizzeria to order food for herself. However, the couple whose groceries were ruined reported her to the police, resulting in her receiving a second strike from Instacart. She is currently on probation and undergoing counseling through Instacart’s employee assistance program.
Plum now realizes that she made a mistake and acknowledges that her anger got the best of her. In an email statement to The Pioneer Press, she expresses remorse for her actions and takes full responsibility for the consequences. Plum recognizes the need for personal growth and maturity moving forward.
It’s essential for all of us to remember that even when faced with disagreements, it’s never acceptable to take out our frustrations on innocent people. We must find peaceful and respectful ways to express our views, ensuring that we do not harm or disrespect others in the process.
