Maui County, Hawaii — A man was arrested after allegedly attacking another man with an aluminum bat in a Target parking lot last Friday night. According to local authorities, the incident left the victim with serious injuries, prompting calls for increased safety measures at the store.
The assault reportedly occurred around 8 p.m. as the victim was leaving the store with his girlfriend, Kiana Bascon, and her young daughter. Bascon described the attacker as a man with no shirt, who confronted them aggressively while holding the bat and shouting accusations of a familial loss.
In the chaos, Bascon hurried to her car to safeguard her daughter. Witnesses recounted seeing the assailant launch a brutal attack on her boyfriend. One observer described multiple blows being delivered rapidly, leading to a swift escalation of violence.
Police later identified the assailant as 32-year-old Gabriel Pangkee. He was apprehended and faces several charges, including assault and criminal property damage. Court records reveal that Pangkee has a history of legal troubles, with nine previous convictions, including a felony burglary charge from 2018.
The victim sustained injuries to his head and substantial damage to his hands from attempting to shield himself from the blows, which will necessitate surgical intervention. The financial burden of medical expenses weighs heavily on the couple since the victim lacks health insurance.
Bascon expressed concern over the safety of public spaces and called on Target to enhance security measures. “We believe they should take responsibility for what happened on their property,” she stated.
A spokesperson for Target responded, emphasizing that the safety of customers and staff is their top priority. The company extended its thoughts to the affected individual and expressed gratitude for the quick actions of store employees and first responders.
Pangkee is scheduled to appear in court on January 13 as the investigation continues. Community members are speaking out about the need for greater safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.