Texas Whataburger Manager Fights Back Against Violent Customer

The manager subdued the suspect with a trash can after the customer assaulted him and staff.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A Whataburger manager in Paris, Texas was forced to defend himself and his employees after a customer became verbally abusive, threatened the manager, and later returned to physically assault him. Surveillance footage shows the manager fighting back and eventually subduing the suspect with a trash can.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges that restaurant staff can face when dealing with aggressive or violent customers, and the need for proper training and protocols to handle such situations safely. It also raises questions about customer behavior, mental health, and the role businesses play in maintaining a safe environment for their workers.

The details

According to reports, the suspect, 41-year-old Anthony William Newhuis of Spring, Texas, was initially verbally abusive to the Whataburger staff and was asked to leave by the manager. Newhuis left but threatened to return and harm the manager. True to his word, Newhuis did return and punched the manager several times. The manager then fought back, eventually grabbing a trash can and subduing Newhuis. Police found Newhuis bleeding from the head in the store's parking lot and arrested him, charging him with assault resulting in bodily injury and public intoxication. After being taken to jail, Newhuis allegedly intentionally flooded the cells with water, which is an additional crime.

  • On February 22, the suspect returned to the Whataburger location and assaulted the manager.
  • Police responded to the incident at the Whataburger in the 2400 block of N. Main Street in Paris, Texas.

The players

Anthony William Newhuis

A 41-year-old man from Spring, Texas who was arrested and charged with assault resulting in bodily injury and public intoxication after the incident at the Whataburger.

Whataburger Manager

The manager of the Whataburger location in Paris, Texas who defended himself and his employees from the violent customer.

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What they’re saying

“These are the kinds of situations our restaurant staff should never have to face. We're grateful the manager was able to protect himself and our employees.”

— Whataburger Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge will determine if Newhuis will be allowed out on bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for businesses to have robust safety protocols in place to protect their workers from violent customer behavior, and for communities to address the root causes that can lead to such confrontations in the first place.