MAUI, Hawaii — A man was arrested after allegedly attacking another man with an aluminum bat in a Target parking lot last week, prompting concerns about safety in public spaces.
The altercation occurred on Friday evening around 8 p.m. when the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, was leaving the store with his girlfriend, Kiana Bascon, and her five-year-old daughter. Bascon reported that a stranger confronted them in the parking lot, raising alarm with his aggressive behavior.
“He was shirtless and already yelling,” Bascon recalled. “He threw down his backpack and approached us, waving the bat and accusing us of killing his father.” In a bid to protect her daughter, Bascon hurried to their vehicle, while the assailant turned his attention towards her boyfriend.
Witnesses described the ensuing violence as shocking and rapid. One bystander recounted seeing the attacker swing the bat repeatedly, delivering at least six severe blows to the victim’s head and hands. “It was so fast, like bang, bang, bang,” said the witness, who chose to remain anonymous.
Maui police later identified the assailant as 32-year-old Gabriel Pangkee. He has since been charged with assault and criminal property damage. Authorities noted Pangkee’s history of legal troubles, including nine prior convictions and a felony burglary charge in 2018.
The victim sustained significant injuries, including damage to his hands that will require surgery. Despite the severity of his injuries, he faces substantial financial burdens for medical treatment, as he does not have health insurance. Bascon expressed deep concern for his well-being: “He needs his hands for work and everyday life,” she said.
In light of the incident, Bascon is calling on Target to take more responsibility for security within their premises. “We want them to acknowledge their role, given that this happened on their property,” she emphasized.
A spokesperson for Target responded to the incident, stating that the safety of customers and employees is paramount. They expressed sympathy for the victim and noted that the store team acted swiftly to assist. The spokesperson added that they are cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.
Pangkee is scheduled to appear in court on January 13. The attack has raised broader discussions about public safety and the measures retailers should implement to protect their patrons from such violence.