I recently started staying in my car and figured it would be a good idea to stay in a Walmart parking lot as people work overnight there. I ordered custom window covers and used them my second night sleeping in my car. Then I get a knock on my car window around 3am demanding I step out of the vehicle. I just said “alright coming out” to be met with “come out hurry up. I have a taser sir.”
When I got out of the car they immediately put cuffs on me and asked why I thought it was okay to sleep in my car. They asked why I had my windows covered. I explained I currently had no where else to live and that the window covers are to keep out the street lights so I can sleep and feel more secure. They then told me if I don’t have a place I should be staying in a hotel and that my actions were suspicious and that I was lucky they didn’t break my window and drag me out for blocking the windows. I apologized and tried to explain my situation. I was met with a “shut up” and put in the back of a cop car. I was taken down to the station and someone came in there and talked to me for about an hour. Basically explaining that parking on Walmart property like that is a crime and saying it was a potential felony. I was then released and told they will “remember me” and if I tried sleeping in my car again in this town they would immediately charge with at least a misdemeanor.
Has anyone else had an experience like this. It felt absolutely wild that they would do this to someone who was complying. It makes me wonder what they would’ve done if I was being an asshole.
Eau Claire Wisconsin btw