West Hartford Man Makes Homophobic Slur, Refers to Orlando Shooting at Home Depot: PD

West Hartford, CT — A 71-year-old West Hartford man was arrested after making a homophobic slur to a Home Depot cashier and referencing the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooting on Wednesday, according to police.

West Hartford Police responded to the Home Depot on New Park Avenue around 11:30 a.m. to speak with an employee regarding a report of a hostile customer.

• To sign up for West Hartford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

The employee told police he was talking to the customer about why he was wearing gloves at the register before it “quickly evolved into a harassing discussion about the employee's sexuality,” according to the police report.

The employee told police that the customer called him a “faggot” and referenced the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooting. The comments were overheard by another employee, police said.

The victim took a photo of the suspect's license plate and provided the information to investigating officials.

The suspect was located, interviewed, and arrested based upon the totality of circumstances, according to police.

Mario Interlandi, of 436 Oakwood Avenue in West Hartford, was arrested and charged with breach of peace and intimidation based on bigotry or bias. He was assigned a $25,000 surety bond.

Police said Interlandi was also issued a criminal trespass warning if he returned to the Home Depot.

Pictured: Mario Interlandi, 71, of Oakwood Avenue / West Hartford Police Department