TUSTIN, Calif. (KNX) — At least one person was injured during an attack on a Orange County COVID-19 vaccination clinic just before the new year. The attack happened Thursday, as an irate man drove into the parking lot of a Families Together of Orange County (FTOC) clinic and began shouting and yelling insults at staff as they administered vaccines, authorities said.
The suspect was identified by the police as 43-year-old Thomas Apollo.
Apollo's alleged attack began before noon Thursday, shortly after he parked his car in the same lot as the mobile unit.
FTOC CEO Alexander Rossel said Apollo began shouting at the staff, saying they were part of a COVID-19 hoax — and his attack didn't stop after being approached by security.
"He got inside [the mobile clinic] and one of our employees ask him to calm down and he started fighting with them...hitting, punching," Rossel said.
Cassie Rossel, a spokesperson for the community healthcare center, told the Times Apollo's attack was relentless and police ultimately had to use a stun gun to get him into custody.
Staff will continue despite attack
The healthcare center, which offers medical, dental, vision and wellness services in Tustin, Calif. And Garden Grove, Calif., said this attack has not and will not stop their work. In fact, the employee that was sent to the emergency room is already back at the clinic, administering vaccines.
"He looked like he'd been in a boxing match...because he had been holding the [Apollo] to protect other employees," Rossel said, adding that it was the employee's choice to return on Tuesday, despite deserving some extra time off.
"We asked him to take some days off but he refused. He said 'you know, I'm bruised up but I believe I need to do my job."
As an organization, FTOC said it understands that the decision to get vaccinated is “purely personal” but that they will not tolerate violence or harassment of any kind against staff, patients or volunteers.
"Were trying to do our job, we don't want to be in any political views," Rossel said, "We have families and our own lives...and we're in the forefront, risking our lives by providing services. We don't want any recognition, but we definitely want some kind of respect."
According to research done by FTOC staff, Apollo was released the day after he was taken in by police and released on $0 bail. His next court appearance is on Jan. 27.
Rossel said additional security guards have been hired to help keep staff safe.
KNX has reached out the Orange County District Attorney's Office for information regarding Apollo's release.
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