A California man walked into a Target store in Simi Valley and allegedly attacked a woman at the checkout counter, choking her until she was "almost dead," before turning his violence on other shoppers who attempted to help, authorities said.
Rejean Tabor had been released from custody less than 48 hours before heading to the Target on June 17, according to the Simi Valley Police Department. The attack began when Tabor entered the store around 6 p.m. and immediately targeted a female customer standing at a checkout counter.
Background
Witnesses told police that Tabor had no prior connection to his first victim. Andy Garbe, who was inside the store during the rampage, described the scene to KCBS as chaotic and terrifying. "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."
Cellphone video captured during the attack shows Tabor fighting with multiple good Samaritans who rushed to help the choking victim. One female bystander can be heard saying on camera that he was choking her and she was almost dead.
Garbe recounted that the woman "was even saying she was trying to scream" as she was being strangled. The victim's condition during the attack left witnesses believing she could have died without intervention.
After allegedly assaulting the first victim, Tabor wandered into the produce section where he attacked a 16-year-old boy who had his back turned and no warning of the approaching threat, according to witnesses and police.
The Investigation
Simi Valley Police officers arrived at the store as Target employees initiated an emergency evacuation. "Officers immediately entered the store and located Tabor, who had now begun throwing items in the grocery section, where he was taken into custody without incident," according to a department press release.
Several customers sustained minor injuries during the rampage and were treated and released at the scene. The woman whom Tabor allegedly strangled was transported by family members to a local hospital, where she remained in stable condition as of the latest reports.
Police later discovered that the initial female victim did not know Tabor, confirming this was an unprovoked attack on a stranger. According to KCBS, Tabor had been arrested in March for indecent exposure and assaulting an officer, leading to his recent release from custody less than two days before the Target rampage.
Key Takeaways
- Rejean Tabor allegedly strangled a woman at a Simi Valley Target checkout counter until she was "almost dead"
- The suspect had been released from jail less than 48 hours prior to the attack
- Multiple bystanders, including a juvenile, were assaulted when they attempted to help the initial victim
- A 16-year-old boy was also attacked in the produce section
- Tabor faces charges of 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 following his arrest. He is currently on probation from his prior March arrest for indecent exposure and assaulting an officer. The case is still under active investigation by the Simi Valley Police Department.