Plug in air compressor = no start ?

My wife has a 2004 Prius. A few months ago she used my cigarette lighter powered air compressor to inflate her tires. It was below freezing and the did it with the car not started (accessory mode?). It took her a while. After which the car wouldn't start. Pressing the start button would cause the lights to dim and tones...but not start. After waiting for a bit I finally started it, drove it around the block and off to work she went. I figured the battery got low. Fast forward to yesterday. She again used the same compressor. This time she started the car while she filled the tires. When she was done she turned the car off. We went to leave 5 minutes later....and the red triangle (of death I think it's called) came up. I tried sticking in the key (we have smart key). No luck. After sticking it in....it wouldn't turn all the way off OR release the key. Hmming and hawing I saw the green light next to the P on the parking button dimly flashing. I had her push the parking brake with her foot and then turn it off. It did and the key released. Me being a computer guy figured I would try a three finger salute with the car. I disconnected the negative battery cable (which was a chore in itself) and waited a few minutes. Clamping it back on the car turned on and I heard the familiar click, click , click of the hybrid batteries...we were back in business. The compressor works fine on my Acura TSX....anyone else have this kind of issue?

 

The car was started AND running this most recent time. Suppose it could be the battery. It is the original and hers is once of the first 1000 made from the 04 model year.

 

So my wife got an oil change today and they tested the battery. It needed to be replaced. Funny thing though, the service writer first said it would be $95 installed for a 60 month battery. I told her to quickly get it in writing. Then he shelped back. The Prius battery is $145 and $180 installed. I could have done it myself however it would have taken me a little more than 45 minutes plus we would have to bring the old one back to be disposed of so I told her to have them do it. All in all the oil change and battery install was $195. Not too shabby. Thanks for the advice.