WATCH: Melee Erupts In Van Nuys Target Store After Homeless Brothers Refuse To Wear Masks
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Two brothers who refused to wear masks inside a Target store in Van Nuys earlier this month were arrested following a brawl with security guards that left one of the guards injured.
The incident occurred on the morning of May 1 at a Target store located at 5711 Sepulveda Blvd.
According to Los Angeles police, the brothers entered the store without masks and were asked to leave by a security guard.
As they were being escorted out, one of the suspects turned and punched the security guard, police said, which then lead to a fight involving the suspects and four security guards.
The brawl was captured on security video. One of the suspects can be seen throwing a security guard to the ground and punching him repeatedly. Several customers also appear to step in to help.
The two brothers, identified as 31-year-old Phillip Hamilton and 29-year-old Paul Hamilton, were arrested on felony battery charges, police said.
Their bail was set at $50,000 each. A police spokesperson said the brothers are both homeless.
The security guard suffered a broken arm and had to be taken to the hospital, police disclosed.
Across the country, some Americans are growing more vocal about their opposition to wearing masks, calling for a boycott of Costco because they mandate customers to wear one.
"Wearing a mask should be up to the individual person," said Simi Valley resident Shawn Throckmorton. "I have one in the car for certain places, but like I said, if it's a place where I don't feel it's needed, I'm not gonna wear it. I'm not gonna wear it walking around in public."
One Costco shopper told CBS2 she's angry at those who don't follow the rules.
"Sometimes I see the place, not everybody has a mask," said Rubella Lopez of Simi Valley. "It's not good because...I have to be careful because I have my mom, grandkids, mother-in-law, this is not good for everybody."
Target provided CBS2 with the following statement Monday:
"At Target, the safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority. On May 1, an unfortunate altercation occurred following a request from our team members that two guests at our Van Nuys store comply with the city order to wear face coverings while shopping. The incident resulted in the arrest of the individuals by the Los Angeles Police Department. We're grateful for the support of local police and we'll provide any information that can be helpful to their investigation."
