The suspect arrested for allegedly injuring several people after discharging a can of mace in the Lihue Walmart in March will make an arraignment appearance in Kauai District Court May 28. Leonard Glenn Nadoza, 62, of Lihue, was arrested and
The suspect arrested for allegedly injuring several people after discharging a can of mace in the Lihue Walmart in March will make an arraignment appearance in Kauai District Court May 28.
Leonard Glenn Nadoza, 62, of Lihue, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of third-degree assault on April 15. The incident occurred at Walmart the morning of March 30. Several customers reported a “noxious odor” in the air, and according to police, there was a full evacuation of the store as a result.
At least 10 people became ill with troubled breathing, nausea, and pain in the eyes and throat. The victims were transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. A county spokesperson said that victims may have sought additional medical care following the incident but could not confirm that.
The Kauai Fire Department Hazmat crew and the state Department of Health responded to the scene and were initially unable to determine the exact cause of the odor. The store was declared safe three hours later. The investigation revealed that a male suspect had set off a canister of mace near the entrance of the store. It was determined that the act was deliberate and the matter was turned over to police.
Nadoza was arrested at a senior housing complex in Lihue. He was released on $1,000 bail.
County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said his office couldn’t comment on the case.
