AITA for calling the police on my coworker over a prank?

In the dead of night at a quiet hotel, a front desk clerk’s first solo shift turned into a heart-pounding horror show. Spotting a shadowy figure lurking in the parking lot and hearing a chilling phone call—“5 buried. None found.”—the 25-year-old woman called 911, only to learn it was her coworker’s twisted prank. His anger at her reaction and coworkers’ icy response left her second-guessing her fear-driven choice.

This isn’t just about a bad joke; it’s a gripping tale of workplace boundaries, safety, and the line between fun and fear. With Reddit rallying behind her, the clerk’s left wondering if calling the cops was too much. Check into this eerie drama and decide: was she right to sound the alarm, or did she check out too soon?

‘AITA for calling the police on my coworker over a prank?’

A prank at 2 a.m. in a dark parking lot isn’t just a bad joke—it’s a recipe for panic. This Reddit user’s call to the police was a natural response to a creepy figure and a menacing phone call, especially working alone at night. Her coworker’s “prank”—standing motionless and delivering a cryptic threat—crossed into harassment, and his defensive anger shows a lack of accountability. The cold shoulder from coworkers suggests a toxic workplace culture.

This highlights critical workplace safety issues. A 2023 Occupational Safety and Health Administration report notes that 20% of night shift workers, especially women, face harassment, often dismissed as “joking”. The coworker’s actions ignored the user’s vulnerability, and the hotel’s failure to address it promptly raises red flags.

Workplace expert Alison Green advises, “Pranks that cause fear are never acceptable, especially in professional settings”. The user’s 911 call was justified, but documenting the incident with HR could protect her from further backlash.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Reddit checked in with some fiery takes on this late-night prank gone wrong, serving up support with a side of outrage. Here’s what the community had to say about this hotel horror show:

These heated opinions slam the coworker’s creepy stunt, but do they capture the full weight of working alone at night? Reddit’s clear: this prank was no laughing matter!

This chilling tale of a hotel prank turned police matter checks all the boxes for workplace drama and boundary violations. The Reddit user’s fear-driven 911 call was a stand for her safety, but her coworker’s backlash and the office’s cold vibe left her questioning her move. As the night shift dust settles, the question remains: was calling the cops a fair play, or could she have handled it differently? What would you do if a prank left you terrified on the job? Drop your stories, advice, or spicy takes below!