Man, 68, Accused Of Assaulting Children At Walmart

A Columbus man was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday after he was accused of assaulting children inside a Walmart store.

According to investigators, Conone, 68, has frequented the store since January. They said he struck the children in the head with a closed fist with a key protruding from it.

Police said that Conone struck at least four children on Wednesday.

All four assaults were captured by the store's surveillance cameras, Westbrook reported.

Videotape from one of the incidents showed a mother walking into an aisle. Her child, who was standing by a shopping cart, was then struck by the man.

In another video, a child could be seen grabbing his head after he was struck in the same manner.

Police said that a mother of two of the alleged victims chased Conone, who was then taken into custody.

"It appears to be one strike and, if the child makes a noise, then (the man) would turn around and walk away," said Columbus police Sgt. John Hurst. "He stated he does this because of the excitement - being able to do it - and get away with it with their parents right there."

The mother of two of the alleged victims said her son received a laceration on his head, but was not seriously injured.

"I asked (my son) where did he hit you?" the mother said. "He said 'My head.' He said he hit him in the back of the head. I took the hat off and I see he's bleeding so I'm hysterical."

Police were not releasing the Conone's photo because they believe there may be other victims, and do not want to compromise witness ability to identify him, Westbrook said.
Ralph Conone was charged with assault, 10TV's Brittany Westbrook reported.

Police said that the latest incident occurred on Wednesday at about 7 p.m. inside the store, located at 2700 Bethel Road.

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• Ralph Conone
• Walmart
• hits kids in the head