Police: N. Smithfield Walmart Worker Assaulted Over Mask Request

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — Police say a Woonsocket man punched and choked a young Walmart worker who 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 Walmart Supercenter at 7 Dowling Village Blvd. after receiving 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. The request led to a brief confrontation. The worker reportedly 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.

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According to a media release, 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.

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