West Hartford Police said a man was arrested as a result of the Sunday night incident.

Cha Papi is located at 150 Shield Street in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

A man has been arrested and faces a number of charges following an incident that took place outside a West Hartford cafe Sunday evening.

Cha Papi, a “sweets cafe” that specializes in mochi donuts, Taiyaki, and a variety of hot and cold teas and coffees, located at 150 Shield Street, posted on social media Sunday night that one of their customers had been attacked with “bear spray” while walking into the shop during regular business hours. The suspect was detained, Cha Papi’s social media post stated.

West Hartford Police Capt. Aaron Vafiades confirmed the incident took place on the sidewalk in the Shield Street Plaza. “After a verbal altercation between two adult males, one of the individuals pepper sprayed the other. The male who pepper sprayed the other was arrested,” Vafiades told We-Ha.com in an email.

Nicholas Maldonado, 21, of Newington, was charged with second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree assault, and was held on $10,000 surety bond, Vafiades said.

Cha Papi’s owners said the shop was being sanitized following the incident and would be ready to open for normal business hours, beginning at 9 a.m., on Monday.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.