Maui County, Hawaii — A man has been arrested following a violent incident in a Target parking lot where he allegedly attacked another man with an aluminum bat. The confrontation occurred last Friday night as the victim was leaving the store with his girlfriend and her young daughter.
Witnesses reported that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Gabriel Pangkee, approached the group while shouting and holding the bat. Kiana Bascon, the girlfriend of the victim, described the suspect as agitated and without a shirt, claiming he accused them of killing his father as he advanced toward them.
In an effort to protect her daughter, Bascon quickly returned to her vehicle, leaving her boyfriend vulnerable. Eyewitnesses later recounted seeing Pangkee deliver multiple strikes to the victim, striking him repeatedly in a rapid melee. The attack was described as startlingly swift, with one bystander noting, “It happened very fast. It was like bang, bang, bang.”
Following the assault, local police arrived and arrested Pangkee, who now faces multiple charges, including assault and destruction of property. This is not Pangkee’s first encounter with law enforcement; records indicate he has nine previous convictions, including a felony burglary charge from 2018.
The victim, who requested anonymity, sustained serious injuries, particularly to his head and hands, the latter of which will require surgical intervention. Unfortunately, he lacks health insurance, raising concerns about the financial burden of his medical treatment. Bascon expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “It’s going to be a lot of money through all the hospital and surgeries and recovery. He needs his hand to work and in general in life.”
In light of the incident, Bascon is urging Target to take accountability for ensuring the safety of patrons on their premises. She believes that the store should enhance security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
A spokesperson for Target emphasized the company’s commitment to the safety of both customers and employees, expressing sympathy for the victim and appreciation for the rapid response from store personnel and first responders. The spokesperson confirmed that they are cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
Pangkee is scheduled to appear in court on January 13, as the community grapples with the implications of this violent event in what should be a safe environment.