Full Breakdown
Memphis Man Arrested After Biting Infant Son in Restaurant Outburst
5/4/2026, 1:34:53 PM
Restaurant Incident and Immediate Response
At about 1 a.m. Saturday, police responded to Memphis Wings on North Hollywood Street (also described as Hollywood-James Road). They found 34-year-old Jerry Stark screaming, holding his infant son, squeezing the child until his skin turned blue, then biting the boy’s cheek. Bystanders removed the infant, who was rushed to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and treated for a non-critical facial injury. Stark was booked into the Shelby County Jail.
Chronology of the Night
Earlier that night Stark was seen at a Shell station on Range Line Road, holding the infant and asking for help, then drove a red SUV to a Marathon station on James Road, repeating the request. He entered the restaurant, lay on kitchen floor, squeezed the baby, and bit the cheek when patrons intervened. Police arrived within minutes, secured infant, and arrested him.
Individuals and Agencies Involved
Jerry Stark, 34, perpetrator; his unnamed infant son, victim of a non-critical facial injury; the infant’s mother, who says Stark pushed her from a vehicle; Memphis Police Department; restaurant patrons and gas-station witnesses; LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.
Video Reach and Location Details
The incident video posted by a witness on Facebook has over 1 million views. Reported address: 2661 North Hollywood Street; no fatalities.
Police Findings and Charges
Memphis Police said Stark arrived screaming and panicking, told officers his family was trying to kill him, and claimed he needed help. They noted his squeezing caused the bite and charged him with domestic assault causing bodily harm.
Eyewitness Observations
Patrons said Stark lay on the kitchen floor, squeezing the baby until the child’s skin turned blue. When bystanders attempted to take the infant, he bit the right cheek. Witnesses expressed shock and distress at the sight.
Discrepancies in Reporting
Location is given as 2661 North Hollywood Street and also as the Hollywood-James Road intersection. Charges are listed as domestic assault causing bodily harm or simply unspecified. The mother’s claim of being pushed lacks a consistent location.
Public Safety and Social Media Impact
The incident underscores domestic-violence risks to children, the importance of bystander intervention, and the role of social-media video in public awareness.
Direct Quotes from Witnesses and Perpetrator
- “Seeing that baby face really broke my heart.” — Witness, Facebook post
- “I can't even sleep thinking about that baby.” — Jerry Stark
- “The devil is busy.” — Jerry Stark
- “The baby's skin is on his lips and cheek!” — Witness shouting
Future Court Appearance
Stark is slated to appear before a Shelby County court on Monday for adjudication of the domestic-assault charge.
