The 58-year-old man allegedly attacked the bartender with a meat cleaver after he was asked to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. It remains unclear if the man was vaccinated against COVID or not. The suspect went to the bar to order a drink. And, as part of restaurant policy, he was asked to provide his proof of vaccination amid the ongoing pandemic. When he was unable to, the bartender told him he was not allowed in the restaurant and to leave.
The 58-year-old man from Washington State, Michael Dousa, is now charged with second degree assault following his arrest last Wednesday according to Seattle Times.
Police officials said this unfortunate incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Feb. 5. The 911 caller told the dispatcher that the customer was threatening an Applebee’s bartender with a knife.
The 58-year-old suspect reportedly went to the bar to order a drink. And, as part of restaurant policy, he was asked to provide his proof of vaccination amid the ongoing pandemic. When Dousa was unable to, the bartender told him he was not allowed in the restaurant and to leave.
Police officials said that the 58-year-old man then reportedly got angry and yelled before leaving the restaurant and standing outside the front door waving a meat cleaver, according to reports.
The unidentified bartender and another employee went to the door to ask the Dousa to leave the property. The suspect then approached the bartender and raised the cleaver over his head. The bartender was able to retreat into the restaurant and lock the door.
The 58-year-old then fled the scene. The responding officers made contact with the suspect, who reportedly told them that he waved the cleaver to ‘egg them on.’ A meat cleaver and knife were found on the ground next to the Applebee’s building, according to reports.
According to the police officials, this incident reportedly occurred while the 58-year-old suspect faced pending charges of third- and fourth-degree assault from July 18, 2021.
It remains unclear if Dousa was vaccinated against COVID-19. He is being held on $75,000 bond. This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.