VAN NUYS, CA — Two men are out on bail after assaulting a Van Nuys Target security guard who confronted them for not wearing a mask in the store, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The confrontation, which occurred at about 10:20 a.m. May 1, left the security guard with a broken arm, according to police. It happened at the Target store in the 5700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard, said Officer Drake Madison of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The incident is one of several nationwide where tension over coronavirus-related public health measures led to violence.
According to police, the men entered the store without wearing face coverings and were confronted by employees. After they allegedly refused to put masks on, a security guard began to escort them out, police said.
“As they approached the exit, one suspect, suddenly without provocation, turned and punched a store employee, causing him and the suspect to fall to the floor,” according to an LAPD statement.
“While on the ground, the store employee broke his left arm.”
The guard was treated for injuries at a nearby hospital.
Phillip Hamilton, 31, and Paul Hamilton, 29, were arrested a short time later that day and were booked on suspicion of felony battery, with bail set at $50,000 each, police said. Both were released May 5, according to the sheriff’s department. Police could not say if the men are related to one another.
Customers patronizing essential businesses in Los Angeles have been required to wear face coverings while inside stores since April 10, when Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an order requiring their use in a bid to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Los Angeles County officials issued a similar order that took effect April 15.
There have been other incidents that turned violent when patrons were asked to follow local public health guidelines. A security guard at a Dollar Family store in Michigan was fatally shot after asking patrons to don a mask; and last week, three McDonald’s employees were wounded in a shooting in Oklahoma City after informing a customer that the dining area was closed due to the pandemic.
City News Service and Patch Saffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.