Man Arrested After Assaulting Whataburger Manager, Flooding Jail in Northeast Texas

Anthony William Newhuis, 41, faces multiple charges including assault and criminal mischief.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 41-year-old man from Spring, Texas was arrested on Sunday after allegedly verbally abusing Whataburger staff, assaulting the restaurant manager, and later flooding the city jail in Paris, Texas while in custody. Anthony William Newhuis is facing charges of assault causing bodily injury, public intoxication, and criminal mischief.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges restaurants face with disruptive and violent customer behavior, as well as the strain such incidents can place on local law enforcement resources. It also raises questions about mental health support and de-escalation training for both restaurant staff and police officers.

The details

According to police, Newhuis became verbally abusive towards Whataburger staff and was ordered to leave. He left but threatened to return and assault the manager. Newhuis later returned and assaulted the manager, striking him multiple times. The manager was able to force Newhuis out of the restaurant. When police arrived, they found Newhuis bleeding from the head in the back parking lot. After being arrested and taken to the city jail, Newhuis intentionally flooded the jail cells, leading to an additional criminal mischief charge.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday in the 2400 block of North Main Street in Paris, Texas.
  • Newhuis was arrested and charged on the same day.

The players

Anthony William Newhuis

A 41-year-old man from Spring, Texas who was arrested and charged with assault, public intoxication, and criminal mischief.

Whataburger Manager

The manager of the Whataburger restaurant in Paris, Texas who was assaulted by Newhuis.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property or assault our hardworking restaurant staff.”

— Paris Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will determine if Newhuis will be released on bail at his upcoming court hearing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for improved training and support for restaurant employees facing aggressive customer behavior, as well as the importance of robust mental health resources and crisis intervention to prevent such escalating situations in the community.