A 23-year-old man will face a judge next month after police said he punched a 69-year-old Wal-Mart greeter in the head after the greeter asked to see a purchase receipt.
Palm Bay, Florida -- A 23-year-old man will face a judge next month after police said he punched a 69-year-old Wal-Mart greeter in the head after the greeter asked to see a purchase receipt.
Skyler Lowery, of Palm Bay, was charged with battery on a person 65 or older after police officers were called about 8:30 a.m. Saturday to the
The man was arrested and taken to the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes where he later posted a $5,000 bond before going to an initial court appearance, officials said. The greeter was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, officials said.
Police said Lowery was leaving the store following a post-Christmas shopping stop with a bag in his right hand when the store's security alarm went off near the front entrance.
Police said the greeter asked to see Lowery's receipt, a routine carried out throughout the day at the retail store.
Lowery flashed the receipt and kept walking, prompting the greeter to follow the man outside, police reported.
Police said Lowery grabbed the greeter's clipboard and tore up the greeter's papers.
Moments later, police said Lowery punched the 69-year-old greeter in the head before a second worker intervened.
Lowery would not comment about the case today, but said there was more to incident than portrayed on the videotape released by authorities. He also said he was hoping to release a more direct statement about the Wal-Mart scuffle later today.
The battery charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.