MAUI, Hawaii — A violent confrontation in a Target parking lot last week has left one man seriously injured and prompted an arrest. Authorities report that a 32-year-old man was taken into custody following the assault, during which he allegedly struck another man multiple times with an aluminum bat.
The incident unfolded Friday night around 8 p.m. as the victim was leaving the store with his girlfriend, Kiana Bascon, and her young daughter. Bascon described how a shirtless man confronted them, brandishing the bat and making aggressive accusations, claiming that the victims had harmed his father.
In a frantic effort to protect her daughter, Bascon rushed to their vehicle, while the altercation escalated. Witnesses reported that they saw the attacker unleash a flurry of blows, striking the victim repeatedly before fleeing the scene.
A bystander who observed the incident recounted the rapidity of the assault, noting that the attacker delivered several forceful hits in quick succession. The shocking violence left onlookers shaken and uncertain about how to respond.
Police later identified the alleged assailant as Gabriel Pangkee. Following his arrest, he faced charges including assault and criminal property damage. Records indicate that Pangkee has a history of legal troubles, with nine prior convictions, among them a felony for burglary from 2018.
The victim sustained significant injuries, particularly to his head and hands. He is facing extensive medical bills and will require surgery for the damage inflicted during the attack but is currently without health insurance. His girlfriend voiced concerns over the financial burden of medical care, emphasizing the impact on their daily lives.
In the wake of the attack, Bascon is urging Target to enhance security measures at the store. She believes the retailer should assume responsibility for the incident that occurred on their property.
A spokesperson for Target acknowledged the incident and assured that the safety of their customers and employees is paramount. The representative expressed sympathy for the victim and highlighted the swift actions of store staff and first responders who aided during the chaos.
Pangkee is due to appear in court on January 13, with community members closely monitoring the case, hoping it will serve as a catalyst for increased safety measures in public spaces.