PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - A man is charged with multiple crimes after he walked into a Giant Eagle store without a mask and was asked to leave, but refused.
According to a criminal complaint, police say Nicholas Conley refused to put on a mask, upon entering the Monroeville Giant Eagle on May 1.
Giant Eagle representatives tried to reason with him and tell him he could get curbside or delivery service, and the complaint goes on to say Conley, “was intent on creating a confrontation.”
Conley went on to scream “This is America”, while also swearing and telling employees “Don’t touch me” and "I’m going to sue you."
Police say he also blocked another shopper’s path.
When Monroeville Police were called, Conley fled the story but was later stopped by another officer at a traffic stop for driving with a suspended license that stems from a DUI.
In a video he posted on Facebook, Conley said that he has a doctor’s excuse that exempts him from wearing a mask in public.
WARNING: Video contains strong lanuage.
Governor Tom Wolf’s mask order says that people entering public buildings must wear a mask and the order does allow for medical exemptions, but private businesses can enact their own policies regarding masks.
Giant Eagle is a private business and requires everyone wear a mask.
“At Giant Eagle, we are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our Team Members and guests, while creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone,” the company said in a statement.
“Upon learning of the Governor’s recent safety order, we made the decision to require all Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo Team Members and guests to wear masks or other face coverings when working or shopping in our Pennsylvania stores.
We have numerous options in place to best support guests who report a medical condition and appropriately bring it to the attention of store leadership. This includes offering to have one of our Team Members shop for them, suggesting use of our Giant Eagle curbside pickup and delivery service, and offering courtesy masks to those able to shop while wearing one.”
In the posted video Conley says he was the one that was assaulted and in a post says he filmed the last two minutes of “the gang like assault.
Conley says he is seeking legal action of his own.
Conley is charged with Disorderly Conduct, Simple Assault and Defiant Trespasser.
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