Dollar Tree Sued Over ‘Gooner’ Assault Trend as Women Report S*men Being Wiped on Them in Stores

Dollar Tree, the discount retail chain known for its low priced goods, is facing a lawsuit filed in San Diego after attorneys say the stores have become the site of a disturbing s*xual assault trend spreading across the country, with men accused of e*aculating or wiping s*men on unsuspecting women while they shop, an act that has come to be known online as "gooning." According to the civil suit, the incidents have been reported nationwide, with as many as five cases identified in San Diego County alone, including three separate assaults on different women carried out by the same man over roughly a week in March 2025 at a Dollar Tree location on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

What Happened In Clairemont

Attorney Alreen Haeggquist, who represents one of the women targeted at the Clairemont store, identified in the suit only as Jane Doe, described the moment of the assault.

"She kind of noticed the presence of somebody behind her and felt him wipe something on her. She realized it was s*men," said Haeggquist.

Dollar Tree Sued Over "Dollar Tree Gooner" Trend As Women Report S*xual Assaults In Stores

Dollar Tree sued because men are using the store for the "Dollar Tree Gooner" trend, where they wipe s*men on women in the store.

According to the lawsuit, at least 11 women have been s*xually assaulted as part of the gooning trend at Dollar Tree locations.

22-year-old Marine… pic.twitter.com/0E4OBOksxg

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 13, 2026

San Diego police identified the suspect in the Clairemont incidents as Noe Gonzalez Cresencio, 22. He was arrested on three counts of lewd acts and two counts of s*xual battery. The US Marine Corps confirmed Gonzalez Cresencio is an active Marine and said it is aware of the allegations against him, though it noted jurisdiction over the case lies with civilian authorities since the incidents occurred off base. US Shocker: Man M*sturbates on Woman’s Leg At Dollar Tree Store in Philadelphia, Viral Video Shows Accused Running Away After Disgusting Act.

"Because the allegations involve incidents off base in the local community, civilian law enforcement maintains primary jurisdiction over this matter," the USMC said in a statement.

Gonzalez Cresencio was not listed in jail, and it remains unclear whether the case against him is still active.

More Incidents Under Investigation

Beyond the Clairemont case, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office confirmed it is investigating two additional lewd acts reported at Dollar Tree stores this year, one in Lemon Grove on January 19 and another in Spring Valley on March 22. Detectives have not yet determined whether these incidents are connected to the Clairemont case or to one another. While investigators have obtained images of the individuals involved, no identifications or arrests have been made in either case. Jamie Lee Komoroski Viral Video: Woman Seen Whining After Drunken Crash Killed Bride on Wedding Night in South Carolina.

The lawsuit claims at least 11 women across the country have come forward reporting similar assaults while shopping at Dollar Tree locations, part of what Haeggquist describes as a wider, disturbing online phenomenon.

"This is a phenomenon happening across the country, so much so that there's a crypto coin for the 'Dollar Tree Gooner.' There is a Pokemon card for the 'Dollar Tree Gooner'. There's a soundtrack for this conduct," Haeggquist said.

Store Security Under Scrutiny

The lawsuit alleges that Dollar Tree's cost cutting measures have left stores vulnerable, claiming that when Jane Doe reported the assault to a store clerk, she was told the camera in the aisle where it happened was not working.

"Dollar Tree is not staffing the people there, because in order to cut costs, they don't have operable cameras. So, they're not taking security footage and it's become a breeding ground for these s*xual assaults to occur," Haeggquist said.

A Dollar Tree spokesperson responded with a statement emphasizing the company's commitment to safety. "The safety and security of our associates and customers are our highest priorities. We take reports of inappropriate, unlawful, or harassing behavior in our stores extremely seriously. Any incident of this nature is unacceptable, and when we become aware of criminal activity, we cooperate fully with law enforcement and support their investigations," the statement read.

The company added that it continues to invest in safety education, policy reviews, risk assessment, and physical security measures in collaboration with local law enforcement.

Shoppers React

Customers outside the Clairemont store expressed shock and disgust over the allegations. "It's disgusting," said shopper Carolyn. "You know? It's like what is wrong with people?"

Fellow shopper Jane Brown said she has always found the store staff engaging with the public, despite the allegations, and expressed relief that the suspect in the Clairemont case was apprehended. "I hope that they prosecute him to the fullest. He has no business being out in the public, and I'm glad they caught him because there's a good chance that things could have escalated," Brown said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2026 07:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).