A Target security guard who was escorting two men out of the store for not wearing masks, suffered a broken arm after they allegedly attacked him in the store, officials said Monday.
The incident occurred at around 10:20 a.m. on May 1, at the Target Store in Van Nuys. In security video released by the Los Angeles Police Department, three security guards can be seen walking behind two men, when one of them turns around, and then hits a security officer in the face.
A second guard pushes the attacker against the store shelf, and a fight can be seen breaking out.
Police say the men entered the Target store without wearing face coverings, and were asked to put some on by employees. When they refused, security began to escort them out.
“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 security guard was taken to a hospital and treated, police said.
Phillip Hamilton, 31, and Paul Hamilton, 29, were arrested a short time later and booked on suspicion of felony battery, with bail set at $50,000 each, police said. Both suspects were released on May 5, the sheriff's department says.
Police could not say if the men are related to one another.
Face coverings have been required inside essential businesses in the city of Los Angeles ever since Mayor Eric Garcetti's April 10th order. A similar order was issued by Los Angeles County took effect on April 15th.
Photo: LAPD