A knife scare at the Norms diner in Van Nuys on Monday sent customers and staff scrambling and drew a heavy police response, after a man carrying a knife allegedly threatened people inside the restaurant. The confrontation spilled outside into a nearby grocery store parking lot, where officers moved in on the suspect and detained him. Authorities said no one was hurt, although the arrest briefly disrupted traffic in the area.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, officers were first called to a Ralphs parking lot in the 7200 block of Woodman Avenue after witnesses reported a man chasing and threatening people. The outlet reports the suspect then went into the Norms while still holding a knife, and an LAPD spokesperson confirmed officers ultimately took him into custody at the scene.
Where the Incident Unfolded
The Ralphs store listing for that block places the grocery store at 7221 Woodman Ave, along the busy Sherman Way corridor. Norms' official listing shows the Van Nuys diner at 13636 Sherman Way, a long-running neighborhood spot known for drawing late-night crowds.
Police Response and Investigation
LAPD told the Los Angeles Daily News that officers detained the man after a confrontation outside the restaurant and confirmed there were no reported injuries. By the time of that report, the department had not released the suspect's name or said whether any charges would be filed.
What Authorities Want From Witnesses
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Van Nuys Community Police Station. The station's contact page lists phone numbers and options for submitting nonemergency tips to the Valley Bureau.
