Woman arrested for assault over mask dispute after Staples customer was left with broken leg
HACKENSACK, N.J. – Police have arrested a woman they say is responsible for an assault in a Staples store in Hackensack last week that started when one customer asked another to wear her face mask properly.
The victim, who was left with a broken leg after being thrown to the ground, said she had recently undergone liver surgery and was concerned about the person's mask, according to a police statement.
"I thank the Hackensack Staples store and the Staples corporate office for their cooperation, which was crucial in solving the case," said Officer Darrin DeWitt, noting the fast action of employees who called 911 and tended to the injured woman.
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Following an investigation that included watching the surveillance video, Hackensack police arrested Terri Thomas, 25, of Hackensack.
Thomas was charged Tuesday with aggravated assault and released pending a hearing in Superior Court on Aug. 24.
In the video, the victim can be seen using a fax machine when the woman identified as Thomas approaches her, appearing to be arguing.
As Thomas speaks to the other woman and points her finger, the woman turns to face Thomas suddenly, and uses her cane to keep Thomas at a distance. But Thomas appears to grab the woman by the arm and swing her back as the woman crumples to the ground.
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey Staples mask dispute, assault suspect arrested
