'Please Cover Your Face,' Mask Rage Incidents Growing In Massachusetts
BROOKLINE (CBS) - "Please cover your face" says the sign on the door of the Dunkin' on Harvard St. in Brookline. Like many communities in Massachusetts, Brookline has a mask mandate for businesses.
When 23-year-old Dion Millsap, who's from Boston stepped in, police say he threw hot coffee at a customer who did not comply.
Officers could be heard on a scanner recording asking the police dispatcher about it. "Did you say he threw a coffee on the person?" "Roger, hot coffee he threw at him."
Millsap was arraigned on charges of disorderly conduct, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
"Once the defendant turned around and noticed that the victim didn't have a mask on, the defendant made a comment about it," Assistant District Attorney Philip Czarnec said in court.
"To me, this is a disorderly conduct charge that has been blown way out of proportion," said defense attorney Ian Henchy.
It's the latest in a string of incidents stemming from frustrations over masks.
At Boston's North Station Tuesday, Transit Police say a man named Rutal Jaiswal, who's from Sturbridge, tried to ride a train without a mask. When they escorted him out, they say he hit them.
"I really don't know why someone would get so agitated over putting on a mask. It's only to ensure everyone else's safety including yourself," said passenger Josh Goldenberg, as he waited for a train.
At the North End's iconic Pizzeria Regina Sunday, police say a customer punched an employee in the face after he was told to wear a mask.
Tensions are even making it into government meetings. In Braintree last week, a school board meeting was abruptly adjourned when board members showed up maskless.
Also last week, New Bedford town councilors had a heated exchange.
"As you sit here with no mask, while all the rest of us have our masks on," said Linda Morad to a fellow councilor. "Inappropriate, totally inappropriate!"