LOS ANGELES - Two men, who refused to wear a facial covering, have been arrested after getting in a fight with security guards at a Target in Van Nuys earlier this month, the Los Angeles Police Department said Monday.
FOX 11 was first to obtain surveillance footage provided by the LAPD of the fight that occurred May 1 at a Target store located in the 5700 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.
Security cameras captured the moment three security guards escorted two men out of the store for refusing to wear a face covering. As they were being escorted out, one of the suspects turned around, shoved one of the guards, and hit him the face.
BREAKING: First on @FOXLA @lapdVanNuysDiv has arrested the two men seen in this video attacking security guards at a Van Nuys Target. Police say the men, both transients, were asked to leave after refusing to wear a face covering which is mandatory in LA. pic.twitter.com/Bcw97onrQk
— Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) May 11, 2020
A second security guard intervened when a fight broke out and two of the guards were knocked down to the ground.
An innocent patron also attempted to stop the fight and both men got away.
One of the victims is recovering at a local hospital and suffered a broken arm, police said.
The two suspects, later identified as Phillip Hamilton, 31, and Paul Hamilton, 29, were arrested later that day for felony battery.
Please don’t take it out on businesses and their employees when it comes to wearing face coverings. They are trying to uphold the regulations governing their business being allowed to be open. They are having a rough time too.
— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) May 10, 2020
Police said it’s a disturbing trend that's happening nationwide.
“This is the fourth incident in Van Nuys where we have people confront people not wearing a mask,” LAPD Lt. Jim Gavin said.
Customers at essential businesses are required to wear face coverings that cover their face and mouth under Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Safer at Home order.