PALM BAY, Fla. -- A 23-year-old man charged by police in the alleged beating of a 69-year-old Walmart greeter said Tuesday he was acting out of self-defense.

Skyler Lowery of Palm Bay was charged with battery on a person 65 or older after police officers were called about 8:30 a.m. Saturday to the Walmart at 1040 Malabar Road to investigate reports of a disturbance in the store, Local 6 news partner Florida Today reported.

"It appears (Lowery) was annoyed by the greeter. (Lowery) wasn't trying to steal anything, he was just irritated that he had to provide a receipt when the alarm went off," said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department.

Lowery would not comment directly on the case today, but indicated there was more to the incident than portrayed on the videotape released by authorities. He also said the store's greeter followed him out of the store and into the parking lot -- despite being shown the requested receipt -- and used derogatory language to call out to him. Lowery would not say what the words were.

"That's what he also claimed to officers," Martinez said.

Police said Lowery was leaving the store following a post-Christmas shopping stop with a bag in his right hand when the store's security alarm went off near the front entrance. Lowery, who had a receipt for the purchase, was arrested and taken to Sharpes but posted a $5,000 bond before getting assigned a court date for next month.

The greeter was treated and released from the hospital for his injuries.

"The (greeter) is doing well," said Ashley Hardie, a corporate spokesperson for Walmart. "We're also grateful for the diligent work of police in this case."

Hardie said Walmart would not discuss its security policies or training for greeters but added that safety is a "first and foremost" priority for customers and employees at its 8,159 stores globally.

Police said Lowery grabbed the greeter's clipboard, walked back into the store and tore up the greeter's papers.

The greeter reacted and then Lowery punched the 69-year-old greeter in the head, according to police. The battery charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.