Punches Thrown in Costco ‘Parking Rage’ Incident

Two men are accusing each other of throwing punches following a Costco “parking rage” dispute on New Year’s Eve, according to Eden Prairie Police Department reports.

The altercation started when one of the men was waiting for another person to back out of a parking space. After the car backed out, the other man took the spot instead and made a gesture at the man who didn’t get the spot, reportedly prompting the first man to approach the other vehicle.

The other man said he extended his arms to keep the approaching driver at a distance but the man punched him in the face. The driver said he was the one who was punched.

A 51-year-old Orono man was treated for a bloody nose at Hennepin County Medical Center. A 47-year-old man was not treated but said he also wanted to pursue assault charges.

The police report didn’t make it clear what role each man is accused of playing in the incident.