Pro-tip, if you don't want to be pepper-sprayed, it's probably best not to attack people. One anti-masker in California learned that lesson the hard way after an attack on an employee left him pepper-sprayed and sobbing.
The incident took place at Ralph's Grocery on South LaBrea Ave in Los Angeles.
According to reports, the man was shopping with another male—neither of whom were wearing masks. An employee approached the pair to ask them to please put on masks or leave the store, as masks are required per LA county.
The men refused, and one began yelling at the employee. The yelling quickly escalated until the man attacked the employee, ramming her repeatedly with the cart he was pushing.
A witness told authorities what she saw as she came down the aisle.
"I looked down there and there was this guy just yelling at someone, and then all of a sudden you see him, you know, take the handles of his cart and just try to ram this woman."
Another woman in the aisle tried to push the man away, but to no avail. He continued to berate the employee while hitting her with the cart.
Eventually, the employee pepper sprayed the man to get him to stop attacking her. Witnesses say the man immediately went from ranting and attacking to sobbing and requesting aid.
Not only did his eyes hurt, but he dropped to the floor.
Police were called. Paramedics were also called to treat the now-crying attacker.
Someone on scene took video of the events post-pepper-spraying. In it, we see the man being treated by medics.
He is laying on the floor, which is covered in milk, which is being poured into his eyes to neutralize the chemicals and ease the pain. The video also shows the second man still arguing with people.
He claims they are taking away his right to eat by not allowing him to grocery shop without a mask.
Ralphs Employee Pepper Sprays Man Who Allegedly Assaulted Woman After Being Asked To Wear Face Coverwww.youtube.com
Curbside pickup and delivery is available for those who cannot or will not adhere to county guidance however.
The video quickly reached Twitter...
People didn't seem overly sympathetic to the anti-mask duo's plight.
Police have not yet determined if they will be charging the man for the attack on the employee.
Paramedics did take him to a local medical facility to be checked out. Ralph's has not yet released a statement about any potential affect the incident had on the employee's standing with the company or if any injuries were incurred.
Jane Rosenberg
Jane Rosenberg
@arianagrande/Instagram
@arianagrande/Instagram