A routine grocery store visit in Southern California turned violent on Thursday when a confrontation between a parolee and store staff escalated into a physical arrest involving multiple police officers. Travon Attison, 36, was charged with felony assault and resisting arrest after the incident, but bystanders and family members have raised concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
The altercation began when a store employee reportedly greeted Attison with the phrase “Whassup, cuz?”—a remark Attison interpreted as stereotyping him as a gang member. His angry response led to an argument that escalated when security guards intervened and called police. Family members say Attison, who is nearing the end of his parole, was heading out of the store when officers arrived.
Cellphone footage from inside the Food4Less shows as many as six officers attempting to subdue Attison, with one officer repeatedly punching him as he struggles on the ground. In the video, shocked shoppers can be heard questioning the situation, with one asking, “What did he do?” and another exclaiming, “He didn’t do nothing!” The footage does not show Attison assaulting the officers.
Relatives have criticized the police response, accusing them of escalating the situation instead of diffusing it. “You’re supposed to come and de-escalate the situation,” one family member told local news, adding that an officer displayed “anger” and “a temper” that she felt was unprofessional. She expressed fears for Attison’s safety while in custody.
The San Bernardino Police Department declined to comment on the officers’ actions, citing an ongoing investigation. The incident has renewed calls for accountability and improved de-escalation training within law enforcement, as public scrutiny intensifies over police conduct in such cases.
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