Confusion Over Apple Purchase Policy Played Role in Nashua Taser Incident

Some confusion over Apple store policy may have played a role in an incident this week where police used a Taser on a Newton woman while arresting her at a New Hampshire shopping mall. 

 after she allegedly trespassed at the mall's Apple Store, Nashua Police Capt. Bruce Hansen confirmed to Nashua Patch Wednesday.

In an interview with WMUR, Xiaojie said she was attempting to buy several iPhones for family in China. Apple employees informed her she was limited to just two phones, but she claims she spotted other customers buying more than two phones.

Xiaojie told WMUR she had videotaped other customers buying more than two phones. According to Hansen, the videotaping is the reason why the Apple store management asked Xiaojie to leave.

Hansen explained that the store has a policy limiting sales to two items per person. 

But a MacRumors online forum says Apple recently lifted its two-per-customer limit on iPhones. Whether this is specific to online orders vs. store purchases is not clear.  

Patch reached out to Apple for details about purchase limits, store policy and the Nashua incident.

"We wouldn't have anything to add to the story, and we would refer you back to the police," said an Apple spokesperson contacted at the company headquarters on Thursday.

Two days after she was initially asked to leave, Xiaojie returned to the Apple store. At that point, Apple employees called police and Xiaojie was arrested. 

Xiaojie told WMUR she did not understand Apple employees or the police because she does not speak English.

Xiaojie is due in court in January to face two misdemeanor criminal trespassing charges. According to the Huffington Post, she has hired an attorney, claiming police overreacted.

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