In Portland, Oregon, a jury has awarded $1 million in damages to Rose Wakefield, a 63-year-old resident, after determining that she experienced discrimination at a gas station where an employee refused to serve her, stating, “I don’t serve Black people.”

The jury’s decision, delivered in Multnomah County this week, included punitive damages amounting to $550,000.

According to Wakefield’s attorney, Gregory Kafoury, the incident occurred on March 12, 2020, when Wakefield stopped at Jacksons Food Store in Beaverton. Upon arrival, she observed the attendant, Nigel Powers, ignoring her and attending to other customers.

When Wakefield attempted to seek assistance, Powers reportedly responded, “I’ll get to you when I feel like it.”

Under Oregon law, attendants are mandated to pump fuel for customers at gas stations in major urban areas, including Portland and neighboring Beaverton.

Surveillance footage confirmed Wakefield’s account, showing her entering the store to request help. Another employee subsequently accompanied her outside to pump her gas. After the incident, Wakefield confronted Powers about his refusal to assist her, to which he allegedly responded, “I don’t serve Black people.”