A Palo Alto man has been accused of attacking two individuals at a Southern California restaurant with lighter fluid and a knife, prompting a swift response from law enforcement according to CBS San Francisco.

The incident took place at a restaurant on the 400 block of East Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks on June 26, 2023, when 61-year-old Robert Haight entered the establishment and proceeded to carry out his assault. In an unprovoked move, Haight squirted lighter fluid on an employee, made a failed attempt to light him on fire, and then pursued the victim through the restaurant with a kitchen knife in hand, as reported by The Sierra Sun Times.

The violence continued as Haight followed the employee out of a rear door and into the parking lot, where another person attempted to intervene, possibly saving the employee's life, but not sparing themselves from harm – Haight then, in an appalling move, squirted lighter fluid on the second victim and engaged them in a fight, but the brave bystander managed to fend him off until the officers arrived.

Thankfully, officers from the Thousand Oaks Police Department appeared on the scene shortly after the second attack and detained Haight without any further incident, ensuring the safety of the victims and other restaurant-goers. Haight, who sustained injuries during the ordeal, was transported to a local hospital by authorities for treatment, and following his release, was booked on serious charges including suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of assault with a caustic chemical.

Following Haight's arrest, East County Major Crimes detectives took over the investigations, providing a detailed list of the charges he now faces, including one count of attempted murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of assault with a caustic chemical.

With Haight's bail set at $500,000, the judge is sending a strong signal about the consequences of such violent acts, attempting to deter future incidents and keep the community safe. Now, the legal process will take its course, as Haight awaits his day in court scheduled for June 27, 2023.