WEST PALM BEACH, FL– A 20-year-old man is facing assault charges after he allegedly punched a man  in the face because he put his hand on his shoulder in an attempt to lead him out of the business.
The incident occurred in an unincorporated part of Palm Beach County on Sunday around 3:45 a.m.
Officials say Rafael Zavala was intoxicated and asked to leave the establishment but refused.
“As Zavala was refusing to leave, [the victim] placed his hand on his shoulder to guide him out. Zavala turned around and struck [the victim] with a closed fist to his mouth. Out of self-defense for [the victim], his security delivered a few strikes to Zavala until they gained compliance, as he was told to exit. [The victim] sustained a swollen/busted lip. He was medically evaluated on scene by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.”
When authorities arrived on the scene, they found Zavala being held down by several security guards.
Zavala told officials that he felt the need to defend himself when the victim put his hand on his shoulder:
“Touched my shoulder so I punched him in the face. I’m from Pahokee. I don’t know him. I’m from the hood. I don’t let nobody touch me like that.”
Authorities noted that Zavala was intoxicated and verbally aggressive towards everyone on the scene.
He was evaluated for an injury to the right side of his face and then taken into custody.
He has been charged with battery. As of Sunday afternoon, he was released on his own recognizance.