Incident at Dutch Bros on Antioch Raises Safety Concerns as Staff Praised for Calm Response
NORTHLAND KANSAS CITY, MO — April 18, 2025
An unsettling encounter unfolded Friday evening at the newly opened Dutch Bros Coffee near Antioch and Englewood, when a man—described by witnesses as appearing mentally unstable and possibly under the influence—was seen harassing cars in the drive-thru lane and attempting to open vehicle doors.
One customer, who asked not to be named, said the man approached her car aggressively and tried pulling her door handles. “It was terrifying,” she said. “But the young employees handled it better than most adults I know. They kept calm, called for help, and did their best to protect everyone there.”
Jill, a nearby resident of Chouteau Estates, took to social media to thank the staff for their bravery: “You could tell they were concerned, but they looked out for their customers. Thank you to them for handling a scary and stressful situation!”
The suspect left the area before law enforcement arrived. No injuries were reported, but the incident has sparked broader discussion among Northland residents about the increase in loitering and aggressive panhandling near major intersections and commercial centers.
Some locals, including Antoinette of Woodbrooke Neighborhood, pointed to free bus rides and local transit drop-offs as contributing to the growing issue. “Stop with the free bus rides,” she wrote online. “You can’t even stop at the light without someone coming up to your window begging.”
According to another witness, a city bus had dropped off approximately 10 individuals near the Dutch Bros location shortly before the incident. Whether the suspect was among them is unclear.
Kansas City Police have not released an official statement but urge residents to report suspicious behavior and to avoid confronting individuals who appear aggressive.
This incident comes as the Northland continues to grapple with rising concerns over public safety, homelessness, and the strain on mental health services—issues that have become increasingly visible along Antioch Road and other transit-accessible corridors.
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