MAUI, Hawaii — A violent incident in a Target parking lot has led to the arrest of a man accused of attacking another individual with an aluminum bat. The confrontation, which took place last Friday evening, left the victim with significant injuries.
The injured man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recounted the event while emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about such attacks. He was leaving the store around 8 p.m. with his girlfriend, Kiana Bascon, and her young daughter when an unprovoked stranger confronted them.
Bascon described the assailant as agitated and shirtless, brandishing a baseball bat as he approached. “He was yelling, saying that we killed his dad,” she recalled. In a bid to protect her daughter, Bascon rushed to their vehicle, leaving her boyfriend behind, who was then assaulted.
A bystander witnessed the attack and reported seeing the assailant repeatedly strike the victim with the bat. “It was fast, just a flurry of hits,” the witness said, adding that the attacker quickly fled the scene after the assault.
Maui police later identified 32-year-old Gabriel Pangkee as the alleged assailant. He was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including assault and criminal property damage. Pangkee’s criminal history includes nine prior convictions, with a notable felony for burglary in 2018, raising concerns about recidivism.
As for the victim, he suffered serious head injuries and substantial damage to his hands, which may require surgical intervention. His girlfriend expressed frustration over the lack of insurance coverage for such medical expenses, highlighting the financial burden this situation poses. “It’s going to cost a lot for all the medical treatment and recovery he needs,” she said.
Bascon is advocating for more security measures at the Target store, stating that the retailer should assume some responsibility for the incident occurring on their premises. “We want them to take this seriously,” she said.
A representative from Target responded, stating that guest safety is of utmost importance to the company. They expressed concern for the victim and appreciation for the quick actions of staff and first responders. The spokesperson noted that the company is cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the incident.
Pangkee is scheduled to appear in court on January 13, where further legal proceedings will unfold. The community is left shaken by the attack, calling into question the adequacy of security in public spaces.