A 54-year-old woman from New Jersey suffered a broken leg after being thrown to the ground in a Staples by another client whom she had told to wear a mask, authorities said.
Police have released surveillance video of the incident that occurred around 3:19 p.m. Wednesday at a Staples in Hackensack.
Teaneck’s Margot Kagan told police she was using a fax machine in the store when a woman with a mask under her mouth approached a machine next to her. Kagan, who police said had a liver transplant four months ago and was walking with a cane, told the woman to put on the mask.
“The suspect became angry and yelled at the victim, who raised his cane and pointed it directly at the suspect, approaching inches from the suspect’s chest,” said Capt. Darrin DeWitt, a detective with the Hackensack Police Department.
The woman then yelled at Kagan, threw her violently to the ground and left the store, DeWitt said.
Kagan was rushed to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a left tibia fracture, according to DeWitt.
Governor Phil Murphy has said that all residents should wear face covers in stores.
Police are seeking to identify the suspect.
Kagan did not immediately respond to a voicemail message and several calls seeking comment on Friday.
