Police: Man Attacked Walmart Worker Over Mask Request

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police in Rhode Island say a man assaulted a 16-year-old Walmart worker after refusing to put a mask on his young child.

Authorities say the altercation occurred at a Walmart in North Smithfield after the teenage employee informed the man that store policy required his toddler to wear a mask. The man refused, and then the teen went to notify a manager, the man put him in a choke hold and punched him.

Police said they contacted the suspect, who turned himself in. They identified him as Michael Caro, 34, of Woonsocket. He was charged with simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct and released with a court summons.

Michael Caro is accused of attacking a Walmart worker who asked him to put a mask on his young child (Photo Via North Smithfield Police)

Masks should be worn by everyone two years and older when in public areas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A message left with a phone number believed to be Caro's was not immediately returned Saturday. It was unclear if he has hired legal representation.

(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.