Police arrest suspect in political punch outside a suburban Dallas-Fort Worth store
Denton police detectives worked Saturday to obtain an arrest warrant for a man who punched another in an apparent dispute over presidential politics.
A verbal argument erupted between the victim and supporters of President Donald Trump outside the Buc-ee’s store in the 2800 block of South I-35E, Denton police said.
Jason Lata, 44, punched the victim in the face and left the store’s parking lot, police alleged. The victim suffered an abrasion below his right eyebrow and a broken tooth.
Lata was arrested on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury. He was at the City of Denton Jail late Saturday. Bail was set at $15,000.
Police did not describe in detail the nature of the argument. Viral video of the incident shows a man in a hat yelling profanities at the victim and screaming “Turn it off!” as an anti-Donald Trump rap song by YG appeared to be playing in the background, according to the Associated Press. The suspect, who was standing with other men who were wearing Trump T-shirts, then punched the victim in the face, the AP reported.
Officers were dispatched to a hospital about 12:45 p.m. and interviewed the victim.
Police asked anyone who witnessed the argument and assault or has additional information to share with investigators to call 940-349-8181.
This story was originally published October 3, 2020 at 10:14 PM.
