A repeat offender freed just two days earlier allegedly choked a stranger in a California Target as shoppers watched in shock.
Story Highlights
- Cellphone video shows a man choking a woman at a Simi Valley Target checkout [1].
- Police say the attack was random; victim and suspect did not know each other [1].
- Bystanders, including teens, were hurt while stopping the assault [1].
- Suspect was booked on attempted murder and other charges after prior release [2][4].
Video Captures Assault And Chaotic Rescue
Cellphone video taken Wednesday evening shows a man grabbing a woman by the neck in the checkout line at a Target in Simi Valley, California. A woman jumped in to help and was thrown off. Several shoppers then wrestled the suspect away as employees moved people out. Police arrived and made an arrest. The clip includes a witness saying, “He was choking her, she was nearly lifeless.” Reporters identified the suspect as Rejean Tabor, age 34 [1].
Simi Valley Police said the suspect entered the store and picked a victim at random. Officers stated the victim did not know the man. After being pulled off the woman, the suspect moved deeper into the store and a struggle followed with other shoppers. Police said multiple interveners suffered minor injuries. Target confirmed it has security footage that could support the timeline seen on the cellphone video, according to news reports [1].
Victim Recovery And Charges Filed
Family friends took the victim to a hospital for overnight observation. Reporters said she was recovering the next day. Police booked the suspect on several counts, including attempted murder, assault, battery, burglary, and causing unnecessary suffering to a minor, based on local reports citing jail records. Reporters also noted the store was evacuated during the incident to protect shoppers and staff while officers secured the scene [2][4].
Police and reporters said the suspect had been released from custody two days before this attack after an earlier arrest in March that involved indecent exposure and assault on a police officer. That timeline adds weight to public anger over repeat releases and failures that put families at risk inside everyday places like grocery and retail stores. Officials have not released toxicology results or any mental health findings tied to this case [1].
What We Know And What We Do Not
Authorities and video support key facts: a woman was choked at checkout, bystanders intervened, and police arrested a named suspect. Police call the attack random and say the parties were strangers. The victim’s hospital stay shows the harm was serious, though she is improving. There is no public forensic report on substance use that night. Reporters have not cited a confirmed motive or psychological evaluation, so intent remains unclear beyond the violent act itself [1][2][4].
A man is in custody following a violent and random attack inside a Target store in Simi Valley that was caught on video.
Officers responded after a caller reported that a man had entered the store and immediately began choking a woman at a checkout counter.… pic.twitter.com/2eTEMeroGp
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 19, 2026
Californians are asking why a man with recent arrests was back on the street days later. That question points to state policies that have favored fast release and weak follow-up. When repeat offenders cycle in and out, families pay the price. This case shows how store safety depends on swift police action and brave citizens. It also shows why voters want tougher pretrial rules and real consequences for violent behavior, before tragedy strikes in the checkout line again [1].
Policy Stakes For Public Safety
State leaders set the rules on bail, probation, and early release. Local police then carry the load when those rules fail. Conservative principles say government’s first duty is to protect life and liberty. That means keeping known violent offenders off our streets and out of our stores. Lawmakers should tighten release standards for suspects with violent histories, demand faster court reviews, and require full sharing of store security video to speed charges and protect the public [1][2].
Community Lessons And Next Steps
Parents who shop with kids need simple changes that work. Stores should stage trained guards at peak hours, set loud panic alerts at registers, and drill staff on quick shelter and exit steps. Police should publish clear timelines after major incidents to rebuild trust. Prosecutors should seek no-bail holds for violent suspects with recent arrests. Voters should press county leaders for answers on this release and demand a plan to stop the next preventable attack [1][2][4].
Sources:
[1] Web – Repeat Offender Released From Jail Just Two Days Earlier Randomly …
[2] Web – Video shows Simi Valley Target store attack, suspect arrested
[4] Web – Cellphone video taken Wednesday evening at a Target store in Simi …
