by Paris, Texas — A chaotic fight inside a Whataburger restaurant in northeast Texas has gone viral after video showed employees using a trash can and a fry basket to fend off an allegedly intoxicated customer.
The incident occurred at a Whataburger location in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas.
According to police and local reports, 41-year-old Anthony William Newhuis was initially ordered to leave the restaurant after allegedly berating staff. Witnesses said he left but threatened to return once officers cleared the area.
Suspect Allegedly Returned and Attacked Manager
Authorities say Newhuis later came back and allegedly charged into the restaurant, launching a physical attack on the manager.
Video circulating online shows the manager swinging a trash can at the suspect while employees shout for someone to press the panic button.
A customer who recorded the altercation told local media that another employee struck Newhuis with a metal fry basket during the confrontation. The footage shows the suspect falling to the floor as the fight unfolds.
Arrest and Additional Charges
Officers with the Paris Police Department responded to the scene and located Newhuis bleeding from the head in the restaurant’s rear parking lot.
He was arrested on charges including:
- Assault causing bodily injury
- Public intoxication
- Criminal mischief
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Police later said Newhuis allegedly caused further damage while in custody, including flooding jail cells, leading to an additional criminal mischief charge.
Company Response
A spokesperson for Whataburger said in a statement that the safety of guests and employees is a top priority.
“We take incidents such as this seriously and are fully cooperating with authorities,” the company said.
The case has sparked debate online about workplace safety and how employees should respond when confronted with aggressive or violent customers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
What do you think about how this situation was handled? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
