A California man has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses after allegedly strangling a woman at a Target checkout counter until she was 'almost dead' before turning his violence on bystanders who rushed to help her, according to the Simi Valley Police Department.
Background
Rejean Tabor walked into the Target store in Simi Valley, California, around 6 p.m. on June 17 and immediately targeted a female customer standing at a checkout counter, authorities said. According to witnesses and police, Tabor began choking the woman as shoppers looked on in horror.
"[Tabor] had entered the store and immediately began 'choking' [the victim]," the Simi Valley Police Department stated in a press release. "The store's Loss Prevention Officer, as well as several bystanders attempted to help the female victim at which point the male subject ... began attacking those attempting to assist, which included a juvenile."
Cellphone video captured the chaos unfolding inside the store. Andy Garbe, who spoke with local CBS affiliate KCBS, recounted running toward the commotion.
"We ran over … and we just see one lady on the guy's back, and then him just choking out another lady," Garbe said. "He had the most bloodshot, demon eyes I've ever seen. He was definitely on something."
One female bystander can be heard on video saying, "He [Tabor] was choking her. She was almost dead." Garbe told KCBS the victim was even trying to scream during the attack.
"Imagine someone being behind you, choking you out," Garbe said. "And she was even saying she was trying to scream."
After allegedly assaulting the woman at checkout, Tabor wandered to the produce section where he attacked a 16-year-old boy who had his back turned, according to witnesses and police.
"[The teen] had his back turned to him … and had no idea," Garbe said. As the attacks continued, Target employees initiated an emergency evacuation before officers arrived at the scene.
The Charges
Officers located Tabor inside the store where he had begun throwing items in the grocery section. He was taken into custody without incident, according to police.
"It was later discovered that the initial female victim did not know Tabor," the SVPD release states. Police arrested and booked Tabor at Ventura County Main Jail on charges of attempted murder, burglary, assault, battery and cruelty or unjustifiable pain to a minor.
The woman who Tabor allegedly strangled was transported by family members to a local hospital where she remains in stable condition. Several customers, including the 16-year-old victim, sustained minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene.
"Several people, including [police], said that the original victim could have died from being choked out if we didn't show up there in time," Garbe's son told KCBS.
Key Takeaways
- Rejean Tabor had been released from custody less than 48 hours before allegedly carrying out the Target attack on June 17
- He is currently on probation following a prior arrest for indecent exposure and assaulting an officer
- The victim was choked at the checkout counter by a complete stranger, according to police
- Multiple bystanders, including a juvenile, were attacked when they attempted to intervene
- Tabor has been charged with attempted murder, burglary, assault, battery and cruelty or unjustifiable pain to a minor
What's Next
Tabor remains in custody at Ventura County Main Jail. His next court appearance dates have not yet been announced. The investigation is ongoing as police review additional evidence including the cellphone video captured by witnesses.
"We are continuing to gather information about this incident and ask anyone with additional details to contact the Simi Valley Police Department," officials stated.