Police: RI Walmart Worker Assaulted In Conflict Over Face Mask

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — Police say a Woonsocket man punched and choked a young Walmart worker who had asked the man to have his child wear a mask while shopping inside the North Smithfield store.

North Smithfield Police on Tuesday responded to the local Walmart for a report that an employee had been assaulted. Police were told a teen worker had asked a man to have his toddler wear a mask, and that the request led to a confrontation. The worker walked away laughing and said he would get a manager. The man then placed the teen worker into a choke hold and punched him, the North Smithfield Police Department alleges.

Officers received an anonymous tip leading them to Michael Caro, 34, of Woonsocket. Caro was contacted by police and turned himself in. He was charged with simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct. Caro was released with a summons to appear in 3rd District Court. The Walmart worker had a visible bruise and complained of pain but did not seek medical treatment, police said in a media release.

Update: Ethan Shorey at the Valley Breeze reports the victim is the son of Cumberland Town Councilor Bob Shaw: