Security guard punched for reminding man to wear mask

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KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Paddock Lake man is faced with charges after he was accused of punching a security guard who reminded him to wear a mask at a grocery store in Kenosha.

Police recommend the man in his 50s be charged with battery and disorderly conduct. The incident happened Saturday night at Woodman’s Food Market.

“Somebody from the store approached them and the guy said some choice words and … that’s when the punching started,” Kenosha Police Capt. Brent Sagedal said Sunday.

First responders were called to treat the guard for minor injuries, the Kenosha News reported.

At Woodman’s Market sites in Wisconsin and other states, employees and customers are required to wear masks to stem the spread of COVID-19, whether or not there is a government order, company President Clint Woodman said.

The requirement is similarly in place at other Wisconsin retailers and municipalities while Gov. Tony Evers and the Republican-led Legislature fight over the mandate which the governor has reinstated.

In Kenosha, a city ordinance requiring the use of face masks also remains intact through March 31. Businesses not in compliance can be fined up to $250. Individuals can face fines of $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $100 for a third violation.