By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man was charged following a disturbance inside a Montclair CVS Pharmacy that left an employee injured and a customer struck by merchandise.
According to information released by Montclair Police, officers responded to the CVS Pharmacy at 565 Valley Road at approximately 3:38 p.m. after receiving reports of a physical altercation.
Police identified the suspect as Hassan Alexander, 25, of Newark.
Authorities said employees recognized Alexander as an individual who had previously been trespassed from the store.
When a 29-year-old employee confronted Alexander and told him to leave, police allege he became irate and attacked the worker.
During the confrontation, Alexander allegedly threw merchandise throughout the store aisles before leaving the scene.
The employee suffered bruising to his face, a small laceration near his left eye and nose, and a swollen lip. Montclair EMS treated him before transporting him to Mountainside Hospital.
Police said a female customer was also treated by EMS after she was struck in the head with a shampoo bottle during the disturbance. She declined further medical attention.
No merchandise was reported stolen.
Police charged Alexander with two counts of assault, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.