BROOKLYN, NY (WPIX/CNN) – An ice cream server at a Dunkin’ Donuts store in New York ignored and denied service to two police officers, the president of the detectives’ union says.
The two detectives entered a combination Dunkin’ Donuts-Baskin Robbins store Sunday to purchase ice cream. They were in plain clothes, but their shields were clipped to their belts and their holstered guns were visible.
After waiting patiently in line, the detectives say the clerk ignored them and instead asked the man behind them what he would like to order. That customer told the clerk the detectives were ahead of him in line.
“Yeah, I know, but I don’t serve cops,” the employee allegedly answered.
The detectives heard the comment but did not respond, union officials say. The man behind them in line was served, and the clerk moved on to the next customers.
The officers then left the store and went to another Dunkin’ Donuts before returning to work.
“I think it’s disgraceful, but I’m really not surprised. There’s some degree of responsibility on the clerk for his ignorance, but there’s also some responsibility on the part of the elected officials, who have encouraged this type of behavior for their constant bashing of police officers,” said Michael Palladino, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association.
Mayor Bill de Blasio commented on the incident, saying that refusing service on the basis of a uniform is illegal.
The corporate spokesperson of Dunkin’ Donuts says the store’s owner apologized to one of the detectives and plans to meet with the officer.
“Dunkin’ Donuts has a long history of supporting local law enforcement and all those who do so much to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and our country,” said Michelle King, the senior director of global public relations at Dunkin’ Donuts, in a statement.
Palladino initially called for a ban of Dunkin’ Donuts but ended it after the company’s response.
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