Man arrested after lottery ticket fight in Mission

One man is in the hospital and a second is in jail Monday after an argument over lottery tickets at a San Francisco market turned violent.

The incident happened at about 3:50 p.m. Friday at Bernal Heights Market near 30th and Mission streets in the Mission District.

The dispute involved the suspect, a man wearing a blue cap, who allegedly attacked the victim, who can be seen in the video wearing a black jacket with an orange shirt underneath. 

Minutes later, they get into an argument. Police say the suspect began attacking the victim, swinging at him and punching him several times. At one point, he shoved his head violently into a store shelf.

Authorities say the argument had to do with a lottery ticket.

“They were standing in line, to either purchase or cash Lotto tickets, and somehow there was an altercation that led up to the assault,” said San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Officer Albie Esparza.

The suspect ran off after the attack, but police didn't have to go far to find him.

“While the police were investigating the crime at the hospital, the suspect returned back to the store and, about an hour later, he was subsequently taken into custody,” Esparza said.

The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Abel Mancia-Champas. He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.

Store owner Victor Barrios bought the market just six months ago. This incident is giving him second thoughts.

“I think surprised, because this is my first time in the business. I don't want to see trouble, my first time. I think (maybe I'll get) out of the business," Barrio said.

Playing the lottery is usually about luck and good fortune, not fistfights and a trip to the hospital.

"When we see things like this, it's quite disturbing that people just don't have the patience, the courtesy for whatever it is. To get into an an altercation over such a minute item;, you know, lotto tickets or waiting in line, being the first person or cutting in line."

The altercation happened at in the afternoon on Friday, not the time one would expect such a confrontation to take place.