Full Breakdown
Whataburger Incident: Manager Uses Trash Can to Defend Against Attacker
2/25/2026, 11:02:14 PM
Incident Overview
On February 22, 2023, a violent altercation occurred at a Whataburger in Paris, Texas, when Anthony William Newhuis, 41, allegedly returned to the restaurant after being previously ordered to leave due to abusive behavior. Witnesses reported that Newhuis, dressed in black, attacked an employee, prompting a chaotic scene captured on video by bystander Billy Jones. The incident escalated when a manager intervened, using a trash can to strike Newhuis multiple times.
Sequence of Events
According to reports, Newhuis was initially asked to leave the Whataburger after verbally abusing staff. He complied but threatened to return. Upon his return, he allegedly punched the manager several times, leading to a physical confrontation. Another employee intervened by hitting Newhuis with a wire fry basket, which knocked him to the ground. The manager then used a trash can to defend himself and other employees, while other staff members called for help.
Arrest and Charges
Following the altercation, Paris police found Newhuis in the restaurant's parking lot, bleeding from a head injury. He was arrested and charged with public intoxication, assault causing bodily injury, and criminal mischief for reportedly flooding his jail cell after his arrest. No injuries to the Whataburger employees were reported.
Official Statements
A spokesperson for Whataburger emphasized the company's commitment to the safety of both guests and employees, stating, "We take incidents such as this seriously and are fully cooperating with authorities." The Paris Police Department confirmed the details of the incident and the subsequent arrest.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has garnered attention for the employees' defensive actions, some critics argue that the use of physical force, even in self-defense, raises questions about workplace safety and the appropriate response to aggressive customers. The incident reflects a broader concern regarding violence in fast-food establishments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are no significant discrepancies in the reports regarding the sequence of events or the charges against Newhuis. However, details regarding the exact timeline of the altercation and the police response remain limited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At Whataburger, Guest and employee security are a top priority. We take incidents such as this seriously and are fully cooperating with authorities.” — Whataburger Spokesperson
- “The suspect returned to the restaurant and assaulted the manager by punching him multiple times.” — Paris Police Department Press Release
- “Billy Jones Newhuis, 41, was ordered out of the restaurant and allegedly stormed off, but vowed to return later and assault the manager once the cops cleared out.” — Billy Jones, Witness
This incident highlights the challenges faced by fast-food employees in managing aggressive customers and the measures they may take to protect themselves and their coworkers.
