California guard allegedly stabs man in self-defense over mask argument

Altercation leaves one hospitalized

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) - On Monday, November 8, an argument allegedly broke out in Southern California between a security guard and a civilian after the man was approached about not wearing a mask in a Vons grocery store.

The man entered the store without a mask, then staff approached him and he became aggressive.

Witnesses state they saw him assault an employee.

A security guard attempted to escort him out when the man pushed the guard, a pocket knife was then pulled out which was used to stab the man in the chest repeatedly.

One witness, Andre Berryman, recounted the incident saying, "He asked him to wear his mask, you know it's store policy to wear his mask, but the guy created a confrontation and then as they went back and forth, the guy got upset and threw the security guard into the conveyer built. There was a tussle and then the security guard got really upset and pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed the guy."

The guard told 911 operators he stabbed the victim in self-defense.

As of early Tuesday, the man is hospitalized in stable condition and no one has been arrested.