#Duo arrested for attacking Trader Joe’s workers who asked them to wear masks

A pair of men went berserk and attacked several workers at a Manhattan Trader Joe’s — with one threatening to shoot the workers — when they were told they had to wear masks inside, police said Wednesday.

The fracas at the store’s East 32nd Street location happened July 14 around 8:50 p.m., when the men, John Carrero and Alejandro Escobar, entered without face masks on, police said.

Several employees told the men, both 34, to leave — and that’s when they allegedly yanked a mask off one worker, cops said.

Carrero then hit a 22-year-old female worker in the head with a paddle, causing a cut and concussion — while Escobar threatened to come back with a firearm, according to police and court papers.

“Don’t make me get my gun,” he allegedly told workers, the complaint said.

After leaving, Escobar threw a chair at the store’s window and tried to get back inside, according to police.

Carrero, who lives in Hudson Yards, was charged with second-degree assault, while Escobar, of Mott Haven, faces criminal trespass and harassment charges.

Both were released on their own recognizance and are due to return to court Oct. 13.

Trader Joe’s spokeswoman Kenya Friend-Daniel said as many as eight employees were involved in the scuffle, including one who was taken to the hospital for treatment.

“I can tell you it was a very frightening and unfortunate incident and we are grateful that our Crew Members are okay,” she said in an email.

The store, which is cooperating with the investigation, has since hired a security guard.

Escobar’s lawyer, Gloria Keum, blamed the store.

“This Trader Joe’s location has multiple reviews that the store is rude, racist and overly aggressive,” she told The Post in a text message.

Carrero’s attorneys couldn’t immediately be reached by The Post.

Escobar denied the allegations to NBC News, saying he was wearing a face mask that covered his mouth and part of his nose because he has asthma.

“I never would’ve thought that this would turn into a nightmare like this,” said Escobar, who was filming for his YouTube channel at the time.

He also blamed the fight on a store worker who “put hands” on Carrero.

“When he got assaulted, he snapped,” Escobar said.