The 18-year-old black man charged in an “unprovoked,” caught-on-video assault of a white Macy’s manager in Michigan has been caught, according to a report.
Damire Canell Palmer, who is charged with felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder in the June 15 attack at the Flint store, was in custody Thursday night, the Detroit News reported.
He also was charged with misdemeanor retail fraud, according to the outlet, which cited a Michigan State Police background check.
Macy’s surveillance footage allegedly shows the suspect walking around the store before he approaches and punches the 50-year-old manager in the head from behind as he worked in the men’s clothing section.
The blow knocked the man to the floor, officials said.
The video also allegedly shows Palmer continuing to hit the employee before the suspect leaves the store.
Comments on social media suggested the manager made a racial slur before the attack, the Detroit News reported, though Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said investigators failed to uncover evidence of provocation or racial comments.
“This was an unprovoked attack on a Macy’s employee,” Leyton said June 26. “This behavior, as seen on the video, is unacceptable, it is criminal and it cannot be allowed.
“We don’t believe any racial slur was made by the store manager, and even if there had been, it does not condone nor justify the assault by Mr. Palmer,” he added.
Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to support a hate-crime charge.
If convicted, Palmer faces up to 10 years in prison. Authorities do not plan to charge his brother, who allegedly filmed the attack, since they don’t believe he committed a crime, a source has told The Post.
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