WATCH: Axe-Wielding Man Goes on Rampage in McDonald’s
A man wielding an axe was arrested after going on a rampage inside a New York City McDonald’s and “menacing” customers.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, garnering more than 14 million views on Twitter. The graphic video depicted several fights and the destruction of property.
In the video, the man, Michael Palacios, is seen removing an axe from his bag. He then smashes a table and a glass barrier. Then, he approaches several customers but doesn’t appear to inflict any injuries using the axe.
He punches a patron and approaches several other people with the axe. As the video ends, he appears to leave with his bicycle. Authorities said no victims reported injuries.
A witness told the New York Post that the incident occurred after a woman at McDonald’s “rejected” Palacios after he repeatedly tried to talk to her.
“So, basically, he got into an argument with a girl, and then the girl rejected him,” the witness, an UberEats delivery driver, told the outlet. “She didn’t want to talk to him. He kept going at her.”
Officials said Palacios, 31, was released without bail at his arraignment. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and possession of weapons. Neither charge requires bail under New York’s reformed crime laws.
Sources: NBC News | New York Post | The Independent