Shopping alone is a routine part of daily life for millions of women. But for one woman, a quick trip to Target turned into a frightening reminder of how vulnerable public spaces can be, and how alert employees can make all the difference.
Nina Sotom, known as @ninasotom on TikTok, recently shared a disturbing experience that unfolded at her local Target store. What initially felt like an accusation quickly became something else entirely: a moment that may have saved her life.
“You Can’t Leave Yet”
Sotom was wrapping up her shopping and heading through the self-checkout area when Target security stopped her and told her she couldn’t leave the store.
At first, she was confused, and embarrassed. Like many shoppers in that situation, her mind immediately jumped to the worst-case scenario.
“I remember grabbing my receipt and holding it flat out,” Sotom said in her TikTok video. “Because I know that little camera up there can read the smallest print.”
She assumed she was being detained on suspicion of shoplifting. But that wasn’t the reason at all.
What Security Had Actually Noticed
While Sotom was browsing the store, Target security had been watching something else unfold. As she waited near the checkout, employees quietly spoke with one another before approaching her again.
That’s when a female security worker explained what was really going on.
A man inside the store had been following Sotom and secretly taking photos of her.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t catch it earlier,” the security worker told her, according to Sotom. “I would have thrown him out.”
By the time they spoke to her, the man had already been removed from the store.
From Confusion to Fear, and Relief
The realization was deeply unsettling. Sotom had no idea she was being watched, followed, or photographed while shopping.
To ensure her safety, Target security didn’t just escort the man out, they escorted Sotom to her car as well, making sure she left safely and wasn’t followed.
What started as a moment of confusion turned into gratitude.
“Even if that man was just being creepy and sending those pictures to a random person,” Sotom reflected, “it makes me as a woman feel so secure and so safe to know that other people are watching out for me, and it’s not just me watching out for me.”
Taking Extra Precautions
In a comment under her video, Sotom later added that her mother contacted the police after hearing what happened. Law enforcement followed up with the Target store as a precautionary measure.
While it’s unclear what the man’s intentions were, the response from both Target security and Sotom’s family underscored the seriousness of the situation, and the importance of acting early rather than dismissing warning signs.
@ninasotom @target ♬ original sound – nina
Viewers Share Similar Experiences
The TikTok video quickly gained traction, with many viewers sharing eerily similar stories in the comments.
One commenter wrote:
“This happened to me. I am 9 months pregnant and shopping alone with my three boys. A man was following us and taking pictures of my kids. The worker told me I couldn’t leave, then explained why.”
Another praised the retailer’s security team:
“They’re the best. When I bought my husband an Xbox, they had two guys escort me to my car because people wait outside to steal them.”
Others admitted they hadn’t seen the twist coming.
“I didn’t imagine this is where your story would go. This is so scary, glad you’re safe,” one viewer commented.
Another added, “Wow. I was not expecting that outcome at all. So thankful they were looking out for you.”
Why This Story Resonates
Women’s safety remains a growing concern, even in places filled with cameras, employees, and security systems. Stories like Sotom’s highlight an uncomfortable truth: danger doesn’t always announce itself.
But they also highlight something else, how awareness, training, and quick action can prevent situations from escalating.
In this case, a simple phrase, “You can’t leave yet”, made all the difference.
A Reminder for Everyone
Sotom’s experience serves as a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings, but also that you’re not alone. Sometimes, help comes from people quietly paying attention when you least expect it.
Next time you’re out shopping, it’s worth remembering that safety is strongest when people look out for one another. Because sometimes, the moment that feels inconvenient or uncomfortable may be the one that keeps you safe.
Featured image from: Brainulator9, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons