An unruly man wielding a knife stabbed a fellow patron at a North Seattle restaurant this morning around 1:15 a.m. North Precinct officers responded to The Scarlet Tree in the 800 Block of NE 65th Street, but the suspect had already fled
According to witnesses, the suspect had been inside the establishment for some time but kept coming and going throughout the evening.
At about 1:10 am, the suspect entered the bar through the back door and had an angry exchange with the DJ.
After that confrontation, the suspect attempted to order another drink at the bar. The staff refused him service because he was showing signs of intoxication.
The doorman then attempted to escort the man out of the premises. As they were attempting this, the suspect began pushing other customers and throwing punches. The fight continued toward the back door, where the suspect opened the door and yelled for several of his friends to come in and help him.
As the doorman tried to keep the suspect’s friends from entering, the suspect produced a knife and began swinging it around. A 28 year old man was sliced across his stomach, resulting in a nine or ten inch laceration. It does not appear that the victim had anything to do with the disturbance.
The Seattle Fire Department responded and treated the man, then transported him to Harborview Medical Center. His injuries are not life threatening.
Witnesses told officers that they believe the suspect and his friends fled in a silver SUV. Several patrol units including a K-9 team responded to the scene but the suspects were not located.