The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A California man was taken into custody after a violent incident inside a Target store that left several people injured, including a juvenile.
According to the authorities, officers responded to the store at about 6 p.m. on June 17 after receiving reports of an assault involving a female customer near the checkout area. Investigators said the woman and the suspect did not know each other.
Before officers arrived, store employees reportedly began evacuating customers. Witnesses and store personnel reportedly tried to intervene when the man attacked the woman. According to media reports, bystanders rushed toward the area after seeing the alleged victim being attacked. Some witnesses claimed the woman appeared unable to free herself, while others attempted to stop the suspect.
Authorities said he then turned his attention toward several people who attempted to help, including a juvenile.
By the time officers entered the store, the suspect had moved into another section of the business. The authorities said he was allegedly throwing merchandise in the grocery area when officers located him.
Several customers suffered minor injuries during the disturbance. Those individuals, including the juvenile, were treated at the scene and later released. The alleged victim who was initially attacked was taken to a local hospital. It was reported that she was in stable condition.
Following the investigation, the 34-year-old suspect was booked into jail. He was charged with attempted murder, burglary, assault, battery, and cruelty or unjustifiable pain to a minor.
Reports also indicated that the suspect had been released from custody less than two days earlier in an unrelated case involving allegations of indecent exposure and assault on an officer, and he was on probation at the time of the Target incident.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.