Rochester man accused of hammer assault at grocery store fails to appear in court

(ABC 6 News) – Pedro Vasquez, 28, failed to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on two assault charges on Wednesday.

Vasquez was released on his own recognizance July 7, with the conditions including he make all court appearances, maintain contact with his attorney and remain law-abiding.

Rochester police arrested him after he allegedly attacked a person in Cub Foods with a hammer on July 5.

Vasquez faces 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and 5th-degree fear for bodily harm or death charges.

Rochester police say officers received multiple calls from Cub Foods at about 11:27 p.m. on the night of July 5.

When they arrived, they followed the sounds of yelling and screaming to the deli area, where a man was restraining Vasquez.

Police took Vasquez into custody, then spoke to witnesses who said he had come into the store and acted suspicious, saying things that did not make sense.

A cashier told police Vasquez told him he recognized the cashier and had killed the cashier’s father.

Police say they suspect Vasquez may have used drugs prior to entering the store.

Vasquez allegedly entered an employee area and reappeared with a hammer.

Vasquez allegedly chased the man police found restraining him and swung the hammer at him until he tripped–allowing the man to hold him down.

Police say there were no serious injuries and Vasquez did not hit anyone with the hammer.