MAUI, Hawaii — A violent incident in the parking lot of a Target store last week has led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man, who allegedly attacked another man with an aluminum bat. The confrontation occurred on a Friday evening as the victim was leaving the store with his girlfriend and her young daughter.
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted the chaos of that night. He described how a shirtless man, wielding a bat and shouting accusations, confronted the trio. The assailant claimed that they were responsible for the death of his father, escalating the situation rapidly. As the victim attempted to protect his girlfriend and her daughter, the attacker lunged at him.
A witness reported seeing the assailant deliver several hard blows with the bat, describing the violent act as occurring in a matter of seconds. “It was just bang, bang, bang,” the bystander recalled, noting how swiftly the assault unfolded before the attacker fled the scene.
Authorities have identified the aggressor as Gabriel Pangkee, who now faces charges of assault and criminal property damage. Police reported that Pangkee has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior convictions and a felony burglary charge from 2018.
The victim sustained significant injuries during the attack, including head trauma and serious damage to his hands that may require surgical intervention. He expressed concern not only for his physical health but also for the potential financial strain due to the lack of health insurance.
His girlfriend, Kiana Bascon, emphasized the need for accountability from the store, advocating for enhanced security measures at the location. “We want them to take responsibility because this happened on their property,” she said.
A spokesperson for Target expressed condolences for the injured man and confirmed that the safety of customers and team members remains a top priority. The company pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Pangkee is expected to appear in court on January 13, where he will face the charges stemming from this alarming incident. The community remains shaken by the violent outburst as residents call for increased safety measures in public spaces.