Beware James X. Cryns, The Midwestern Piggly Wiggly Express Lane Vigilante

Angered that a Piggly Wiggly shopper was in the express lane with more than 10 items, a Wisconsin man began berating the woman, called her fat and ugly, and ended up being busted by cops for disorderly conduct.

According to a Saukville Police Department report excerpted here, last week’s Piggly Wiggly incident began when Grace Hernandez--with 37 items in her cart--approached an empty express line. After asking a clerk if she could check out there, Hernandez began emptying her cart.

That’s when James X. Cryns, 48, allegedly approached Hernandez and began verbally abusing her, police charge. Cryns asked Hernandez, “What is this? 80 items at a 10 items or less express lane?” When Hernandez replied, “I got permission. Why—do you have a problem with that?” To which Cryns replied, “I do have a problem with that. You’re fat and ugly.”

According to cops, Hernandez, 56, became afraid of Cryns, who she believed was “very aggressive towards her.” When Hernandez told Cryns that she was going to call 911 and report being threatened, he replied, “Oh, does he like fat and ugly women, too?” A cashier provided police with a similar account of the Piggly Wiggly encounter.

The 6’ 4”, 280 pound Cryns, a freelance writer, was arrested and issued a $429 disorderly conduct citation. Cryns did not respond to a message seeking comment about the Piggly Wiggly confrontation.