Man Reportedly Attacks Employee at Well-Known Fast Food Restaurant. Manager Has Final Say with Trash Can.

Incident at Whataburger Involves Customer Assaulting Staff

A Whataburger restaurant manager in Texas was caught on video using a garbage can to subdue a disruptive customer who allegedly attacked an employee on February 22nd.

Authorities reported that police officers arrived at the scene to find Anthony William Newhouse, 41, bleeding from a head injury in the parking lot. Witnesses indicated that Newhouse had been verbally abusive to staff members.

Billy Jones, a patron at the time, recounted the chaotic moments, noting that the suspect, dressed in all black, began striking one of the employees. In response, another worker hit the assailant with a wire fly basket, which knocked him to the ground.

According to police, after confronting Newhouse for his behavior, the restaurant owner asked him to leave. Although he initially complied, he returned shortly after the police had left and threatened the manager, as reported by sources. Following this, he physically assaulted the manager, throwing several punches before the manager retaliated with the trash can.

After the incident, the suspect fled the scene, prompting an employee to call 911. Newhouse was later arrested and faces charges of assault causing injury and public intoxication. While in custody at the jail, he allegedly poured water on his phone, leading to an additional criminal mischief charge.

A spokesperson for Whataburger stated that safety for both guests and employees is a top priority and emphasized that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement regarding the incident.

This situation isn’t unique; similar events involving customers attacking restaurant staff have occurred in various establishments. For instance, in December, there was a reported incident at a Chipotle in Connecticut where a customer threw something at an employee.