A Midtown Atlanta salon appointment ended with a bill of nearly $400 unpaid and a technician’s finger fractured in a confrontation several blocks away, salon staff said. Atlanta police are asking for help identifying the customer.
The woman checked in at Glow Lashes and Nails on Piedmont Avenue using the name Kate Washington, according to staff. Three technicians worked on her appointment, which included lash extensions, gel acrylic nails on her hands and toes, and custom nail art. Staff said her phone payment through the salon’s Square register was declined.
Technician Desmond Ward said the customer told staff she would leave an eyelash-extension care kit and go to her car for cash or a card. Ward followed her as she walked away. He said she punched him on 3rd Street, about three blocks from the salon. Ward blocked the blow with his hand and was treated at Grady Memorial Hospital for a fractured finger.
Ward said the unpaid appointment affected his income because the salon’s technicians work as independent contractors and are paid for the services they perform. The salon owner expressed concern about the effect on the business but said she did not want to change payment policies for all customers because of the incident.
Investigators have not identified the customer’s real name, and Atlanta police have not reported an arrest. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the woman in security footage to contact authorities.
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
