Three protesters arrested after violent incident at Starbucks

ATLANTA — A man told Channel 2 News a group of protesters smashed merchandise and threatened to kill him at a Starbucks on Ponce De Leon Avenue.

The man told Channel 2's Matt Johnson he never expected to be attacked at Starbucks.

A group called "Anarchy Now" held a protest that headed down Ponce De Leon Avenue to Starbucks. The group says it was taking part in a national protest of the conditions in the prison system.

"The big tall guy in a mask slapped my drink out of my hand very violently and basically threatened to kill me," the victim said.

Police say the vandalism and assault took place around 7 p.m. Friday near the Ponce City Market.

The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says protesters in masks walked into Starbucks and began attacking him and his boyfriend.

"The only way we provoked them was by having Starbucks drinks," the victim said.

He says someone punched him while he tried to stop an attacker.

The man says other protesters shattered his boyfriend's phone and glasses, and then kicked him on the ground leaving him with bruises.

"He was screaming for help on the ground. They had already broken his glasses, which he's legally blind without so he's completely defenseless," the victim said.

Atlanta police arrested three people at the scene, but not before the victim says at least one protester fought back.

"There was a woman police officer with a protester on top of her that was fighting her," the victim said.

The victim says he respect the group's right to protest, but not with violence.

The three arrested face multiple charges, including terroristic threats and felony obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Cox Media Group