A confrontation involving a knife and a viral video occurred at a Southern California Wendy's on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of one individual on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident, captured on video and circulating widely on social media, depicts a customer at the Northridge location holding a knife while another man appears to grin. Kyle Manfre, 46, was booked into Van Nuys Jail, but he asserts his innocence, stating he believes he was wrongfully charged and intends to clear his name.
Manfre claims the altercation began when another patron, who had been verbally abusive to Wendy's staff, aggressively approached him and his girlfriend. Manfre stated he attempted to create distance, but the other man blocked his path. Manfre described feeling terrified and believed he saw a weapon in the man's hand, later identified as keys, but at the time, he feared for his life. He admitted to brandishing a pocket knife but denied using it.
Witnesses provided a different account. Jesus Lepit told KTLA that the man in question was arguing with employees before confronting a couple who were eating. Lepit observed chairs being thrown during the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the event occurred Tuesday morning and responded to a call about a potential assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon arrival, officers found a man with minor lacerations and detained Manfre, who was subsequently taken to a hospital for clearance before being booked. Manfre posted $30,000 bail the same day. He presented photographs of injuries to his hand, which he attributes to attempting to block thrown chairs. Manfre has retained legal counsel and is scheduled for a court hearing on November 17.
