Emergency in aisle 9.
A New York woman got her finger stuck in a grocery cart for nearly half an hour after absentmindedly playing with the trolley — and the store had to call 911.
Ashley Nolan, 38, of Johnson City, said she can’t help but fidget due to her anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
While her restless twiddling is a common physical manifestation of her conditions, this was the first time she’s had to get emergency services involved.
“I was shopping, and the next thing I knew, I was stuck,” Nolan, who is a school bus driver, told Caters.
Once she realized she was really stuck, Nolan called her friend Sarah, who was strolling the aisles at a different end of the store at the time.
Sarah immediately went to get help from someone at the customer service desk.
The grocery store employees attempted to free Nolan using a pocketknife, which stabbed both Nolan and one of the employees.
The workers eventually conceded their efforts and decided to call 911 for help.
Nolan was stuck for half an hour before the police were finally able to separate her from the cart.
“We stood and spoke with the authorities, and they suggested my friend spray me with a water bottle to stop me from putting my fingers in holes. I thanked them, and they left,” Nolan said.
Anxiety, ADHD and OCD are considered common but serious neuropsychiatric disorders, which can lead to feelings of restlessness and trouble controlling impulsive behaviors.
Nolan said it’s not the first time she’s gotten trapped in some capacity, either.
“This is the first time 911 ever was called. I do get stuck quite often in an array of things. Carts, rings, my car, objects at home,” she admitted. “I never realize I am doing it until it is too late, and I am stuck.”
