Man who punched another over Nutella samples faces 11 years

A Burbank, Calif., man who was arrested Tuesday after allegedly punching a 78-year-old man in the face in a Costco over Nutella waffle samples is now facing 11 years in state prison if convicted.

Derrick Gharabighi, 24, was charged with one count of felony elder abuse, KTLA reported. He entered a not guilty plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court. 

"Gharabighi was at a warehouse store in Burbank when he walked up to get a Nutella waffle sample," a news release from the DA's office stated. "When the elderly victim reached out, Gharabighi took all of them."

That's when, the release said, the man told Gharabighi to only take one, and Gharabighi allegedly punched him in the face. The older man was treated for facial swelling an a "significant" cut above his eye, police said.

The victim was identified in the complaint as Sahak Sahakian, 78. 

Gharabighi, who was arrested in April, June and December, was being held on $50,000 bail. He has previously been convicted of petty theft, possession of illegal drugs and trespassing. 

Contact Kristen DeSilva at kdesilva@reviewjournal.com.  Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva