Bucks Co. Man Assaulted Clerk Who Asked Him To Wear Mask: Police

PERKASIE, PA — A Bucks County man is facing felony charges after police said he assaulted a store employee who asked him to wear a mask.

Elijah Brown, 24, of Perkasie is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident, which occurred Friday at a West Walnut Street business, police said.

Police said the victim, an employee of the business, asked Brown to follow the posted signs that mandate customers wear a face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Brown refused to put on a face mask, instead assaulting the employee, police said.

He fled the business on foot and was soon located by officers, police said. Once detained, he "deliberately used his knee to strike an officer," police said.

Brown is charged with aggravated assault — a felony — as well as simple assault, defiant trespass, resisting arrest, harassment and criminal mischief.

He was arraigned and was in the Bucks County Jail in lieu of bail, which was set at 10 percent of $30,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 9, court documents show.

Police did not release details on the extent of the victim's injuries.

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