NJ bakery owners stabbed after fight with customer over eggplant sandwich he bought four years ago
Knife-Wielding Customer Attacks Bakery Owners Over Sandwich Dispute
Two New Jersey bakery owners had a terrifying encounter with an irate customer who allegedly attacked them with a knife, claiming they served him the wrong sandwich four years ago. Abed Assad and his brother Mohammad, who run Baladna Bakery in Paterson, were left injured after the violent confrontation.
The incident unfolded when the agitated customer entered the bakery on Thursday morning, accusing the brothers of giving him an eggplant sandwich instead of the egg sandwich he had ordered years ago. The argument quickly turned violent, leading to the suspect stabbing Mohammad in the chest and slashing Abed in the arm when he tried to intervene.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene, leaving the owners in need of medical attention. Both brothers were rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one bystander named Samer recalling the moment he saw one of the bakery owners outside, clutching his bleeding arm. The community was shocked by the violence, as the Assad brothers are known for their kindness and good nature.
According to a friend of the victims, the alleged attacker claimed to be allergic to eggplant and became ill after consuming it. Despite offers to refund or compensate him, the situation escalated when the customer began cursing and brandished a knife.
Paterson Mayor André Sayegh visited the Main Street business district to reassure residents and business owners in the aftermath of the incident. He emphasized the city’s commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.
As of now, the police have not released a description of the suspect, leaving the bakery owners and the community on edge. The Baladna Bakery remains closed as the brothers recover from their injuries and await further developments in the case.
